The 2023 edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards ceremony was on Monday, December 11, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.
At the ceremony, three Nigerian footballers joined the ranks of Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha, Victor Ikpeba and Kanu Nwankwo, who have all won big in the past.
We highlighted the major moments from the star-studded night.
Image source: Instagram/@victorosimhen9
The Nigerian striker who’s had an interesting year, especially with his Italian club, Napoli, won the CAF African Player of the Year award for the first time. Osimhen was in stiff competition with Moroccan full-back, Achraf Hakimi, and Egyptian striker, Mohammed Salah, who were also shortlisted in the category.
In an appreciation post on X, Osimhen shared how his football journey has had lots of highs and lows, how his parents’ death earlier in 2023 “left a scar in his heart”. The striker said the recognition is a testament to his hard work, love and support from fans. “I am so proud of myself for achieving this prestigious award.”
Asisat Oshoala’s 6th CAF win
Image source: Instagram/@asisat_oshoala
Nigerian footballer, Asisat Oshoala, made history after securing her sixth win at the CAF Awards ceremony. The FC Barcelona player who is currently the club’s highest-scoring foreign player, won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year for the sixth time. Oshoala won the category in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022. For CAF Awards 2023, she was up against South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Zambia’s Barbara Banda.
Chiamaka Nnadozie wins a new award category
The Nigerian footballer who plays for Paris FC became the first-ever recipient of the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. Nnadozie was up against Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.
Ghetto Kid’s performance
Months after an impressive outing at Britain’s Got Talent, popular dance group, Ghetto Kids, made their way to the CAF Awards stage in Morocco. The Ugandan kids thrilled the audience with a dance performance to Eltee Skillz’s ODG and their song, Leero Dance.
19-year-old Lamine Camara’s win
Image source: Instagram/@lamine_camara_15
Senegalese and FC Mert’s player, Lamine Camara, snagged the 2023 CAF Young Player of The Year award. Camara was in the race alongside Abdessamad Ezzalzouli of Morocco and fellow Senegalese, Amara Diouf, for the category.
Victor and Asisat’s joint appearance on stage
The biggest award recipients of the night, Victor and Asisat, gave fans more bragging rights when they appeared on the CAF Awards stage and hugged. Outside the venue, sports journalist, Kelechi Anyikude, got fans to chant their names.
Super Falcons win
Image source: Instagram/@nigeriasuperfalcons
Nigeria’s female football team, the Super Falcons, won the National Team of the Year (women’s category) award. They bagged the CAF Awards 2023 category over the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco and Banyana Banyana of South Africa.
