More than a month ago, CAF (Confederation of African Football editor’s note) revealed the names of the 30 nominated for the title of best African player of the year. A list which was drastically reduced to lead to the three finalists namely Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen. Yet winner of the Champions League with Manchester City Riyad Mahrez was absent as was Yacine Bounou, winner of the Europa League with Sevilla and semi-finalist of the World Cup with Morocco.
The one who is now goalkeeper of Al-Hilal nevertheless saw his compatriot Achraf Hakimi stay in the race. The right back of Paris Saint-Germain was essential during the Atlas Lions’ journey during the 2022 World Cup. Decisive in particular during the penalty shootout against Spain in the 1/8 final, the former Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund also won Ligue 1 with the Ile-de-France residents. Without a title this season, Mohamed Salah nonetheless remains important with Liverpool.
Osimhen got the most votes
Second behind his former teammate Sadio Mané in 2022, the Egyptian winger won the award twice (2017 and 2018) and intends to get closer to record holders Yaya Touré and Samuel Eto’o (4 titles). Since the start of the season, he has scored 14 goals and delivered 8 goals in 22 matches with the Reds. Finally, Victor Osimhen also had excellent arguments. The Nigerian striker from Napoli allowed the transalpine team to win a title that had eluded them for 33 years.
Top scorer in Serie A last season, the Super Eagle has entered a new dimension since he is now among the best center forwards on the planet. The suspense was therefore complete before knowing who would win between these three formidable opponents. Ultimately, the winner is Victor Osimhen who wins for the first time since the start of his career.
