Nigeria and Morocco dominated the stage at the African Ballon d’Or awards for 2023, as Cameroon left empty-handed.
The prestigious award ceremony, recognising the continent’s football talents, was held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, December 11.
Nigeria emerged as a powerhouse, claiming multiple awards, including both the African Best Player of the Year in the men’s and women’s categories, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Ashoala, respectively.
Napoli and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen, secured the coveted title for Africa’s Best Men’s Player, overcoming stiff competition from finalists Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco.
Osimhen’s impressive achievements include being among Serie A’s top scorers this season, contributing six goals and one assist in 11 games.
Most importantly, he played a pivotal role in Napoli’s league title win last season, ending a 33-year drought for the club, and led Nigeria to qualification for the upcoming AFCON.
On the women’s front, Asisat Ashoala claimed the African Women’s Player of the Year for a remarkable sixth time.
The Barcelona star played a crucial role in her team’s Champions League triumph, finishing as the club’s leading scorer with 27 goals across all competitions.
Nigeria further secured the titles of Best Women’s National Team and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, awarded to Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Morocco showcased its football prowess by clinching five awards.
These included Coach of the Year (Walid Regregui), Goalkeeper of the Year (Yassine Bounou), Men’s National Team of the Year, Women’s Young Player of the Year (Nesryne El Chad), and Women’s Interclub Player of the Year (Fatima Tagnaout).
South Africa made its mark with three awards, including Women’s National Team Coach of the Year (Desiree Ellis), Men’s Interclub Player of the Year (Percy Tau), and Women’s Club of the Year (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Other notable winners included Senegal’s Lamine Camara as Men’s Young Player of the Year and Egypt’s Al Ahly as Men’s Club of the Year.
Despite securing nominations for Women’s Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year, Cameroon did not claim any trophies.
Indomitable Lions and Manchester United keeper, Andre Onana, only secured the runner-up position in the Best Goalkeeper category.
However, Cameroonian MMA heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou received special recognition from CAF for his brave fight against Tyson Fury in October.
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