Osimhen Battles Salah, Hakimi For CAF Best Player Award 2023

Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, has made the final three-man shortlist for the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.

The final three-man shortlist, announced on CAF official X handle on Thursday, means Osimhen will battle Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi for the prestigious crown.

Last year’s winner, Sadio Mane, failed to make the final shortlist.

Osimhen is the firm favourite to succeed the Senegalese after leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years last season, scoring 26 goals.

The striker is looking to become the first Nigerian to win the award since Kanu Nwankwo was named the best player on the continent in 1999.

The ultimate winner will be decided by votes from a panel consisting of CAF Technical Committee, media professionals from Member Associations, Head Coaches & Captains of Member Associations and clubs involved in the group stages of the Interclub competitions.

The winner will be revealed at the CAF Awards Gala on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco.