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Top FIVE defining moments for Nigerian football in 2023

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By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

2023 had been a year of ups and downs for football in Nigeria with pleasant and unpleasant events.

Irrespective of the not-so-good showings by some teams and players, some events and moments shaped the country’s football in 2023.

NigeriaFootball.ng flashback at the top five shining lights of Nigeria football in 2023 in no particular order.

1. Super Falcons gallant run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Amidst controversial topics leading to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup during the summer, Nigeria’s senior women’s national team shrugged off the off-field incidents and focussed on the task at the tournament.

In a group with Olympic champions, Canada, co-hosts, Australia, and rising debutant, the Republic of Ireland, the Super Falcons had their work cut out ahead of the competition.

The opening game with Canada ended in a 0-0 with Chiamaka Nnadozie’s penalty save and Deborah Abiodun’s late red card the major highlights of the match.

This was followed by a stunning 3-2 win against Australia with goals from Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale, and Asisat Oshoala.

A Round of 16 place was booked with a 0-0 draw against the Republic of Ireland setting up a clash with European champions, England.

The Lionesses couldn’t score against the nine-time African champions after 120 minutes including the scenario of a red card to Lauren James for stepping on Michelle Alozie.

In the end, Sarina Wiegmann’s side prevailed on penalties but Randy Waldrum’s side’s resilience and record didn’t go unnoticed.

Nigeria became the first African team to keep two clean sheets in the group stage of the World Cup and go unbeaten after three group games.

The West African side remained unbeaten in the competition against Australia while Oshoala continued her goal-scoring form for Nigeria at the World Cup becoming the team’s highest goal scorer.

The display and records set by the team showed their gallantry at the tournament.

2. Victor Osimhen’s Serie A triumph and record-breaking season

Rising star Victor Osimhen continued his goal-scoring heroics for Italian giants Napoli in 2023.

He outshined even the great George Weah and iconic Samuel Eto’o Fils in the number of goals scored in a single Serie A season by an African.

His prolific partnership with Georgian striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia powered Napoli to their first Scudetto in over 30 years.

On May 4, Victor Osimhen was on target as Napoli played a 1-1 draw against Udinese and earned the vital point for the club to be crowned Serie A champions.

The title victory ended Napoli’s 33-year wait for a league trophy.

Osimhen also scored 25 league goals to become the league’s highest goalscorer, setting the record as the first African footballer to achieve the feat.

The 24-year-old was also awarded the Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) Player of the Year award for the 2022/2023 Serie A season.

He ended Nigeria’s 24-year wait to win the 2024 African Player of the Year award ahead of Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Achraf Hakimi (Morocco).

3. National teams’ Afcon qualification without stress

Another defining moment for Nigeria on the continent in 2023 was the qualification of both the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons for next year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) respectively without the anxiety of permutations or waiting till the last moments to decide their qualifications.

Victor Osimhen was the AFCON qualifiers’ top scorer with 10 goals as Nigeria topped its group with 15 points.

On the other hand, the Super Falcons reached the tournament billed for Morocco after beating Cape Verde 7-1 on aggregate.

They are still in contention to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics and will face Cameroon in the next round before the final round of the Qualifiers.

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4. Bendel Insurance end 38 years wait for Federation Cup win

After 38 years, Bendel Insurance finally reclaimed Nigeria’s oldest football tournament (Federation Cup) with a 1-0 win over Enugu Rangers in the final match.

Star player, Imade Osarenkhoe scored a penalty in the additional minutes of the first half to lift Monday Odigie’s side to victory over ten-man Rangers.

Monday Odigie’s side continued their good defensive for in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in the Nigeria version of the FA Cup.

From the Round of 16 to the final, the Benin Arsenals didn’t concede a goal against Ahudiya, Heartland FC, Sunshine Stars, Warri Wolves, and Rangers.

The win ensured the CAF Confederation Cup qualification for Bendel Insurance.

5. CAF Awards: Oshoala’s record-extending sixth and Osimhen ends Nigeria’s 24-year wait 

The year wrapped up very well with the CAF Awards.

Nigeria’s remarkable dominance at the 2023 events in Marrakech, Morocco, was a clear picture of their football quality as Osimhen claimed the African Footballer of the Year title for Nigeria for the first time since 1999, while Asisat Oshoala continued her streak of winning the Women’s Footballer of the Year for the sixth time.

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Oshoala played a pivotal role in helping Super Falcons reach the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

She also won the Spanish women’s top-flight title and second UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) trophy with FC Barcelona.

Additionally, Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons goalkeeper, secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award with the Super Falcons taking Team of the Year in the women’s category, reinforcing Nigeria’s strength in both men’s and women’s slates.

2024 is around the corner with lots of football tournaments ahead of us.

We hope for more unforgettable moments that will define Nigeria football for better surfaces in 2024.

With 2024 around the corner, there are more football moments ahead for Nigeria.

It is hoped that the defining moments outweigh bitter experiences.