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2023 CAF Awards: Amuneke backs Osimhen to break Nigeria’s African Player of the Year jinx
Nigerian football icon, Emmanuel Amuneke, anticipates Victor Osimhen clinching the African Footballer of the Year award this Monday in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Osimhen’s impressive scoring record in Serie A and for the Super Eagles positions him as the top choice among the majority of football enthusiasts.
Speaking at Mövenpick Hotel in Marrakech, Amuneke, the 1994 edition winner, expressed his firm belief that Victor Osimhen, his compatriot and former player, unquestionably deserves to be crowned Africa’s most prolific footballer this year.
Acknowledging the complexity of this year’s decision due to the caliber of the three finalists, Amuneke highlighted the distinctions achieved by each nominee.
“Being the highest goal scorer is the icing on the cake. When you look at the individual performance, you can narrow the scope,” the 1994 Africa Player of the Year winner told Sportsvillagesquare.com.
Achraf Hakimi’s noteworthy contribution to Morocco’s World Cup semi-final journey, Mohamed Salah’s stellar performances for both country and Liverpool, and Osimhen’s pivotal role in Napoli’s league triumph after an extended drought were all recognized.
Amuneke stressed that while Hakimi’s success was a collective effort, Osimhen’s individual excellence, underscored by being the highest goal scorer, sets him apart.
“As a Nigerian and his former coach during his youth team days, I would be delighted if Osimhen emerges victorious,” Amuneke concluded.
