The NFF supremo was personally present at the Hotel
Movenpick and collected the first honour that came Nigeria’s way – Women’s
National Team of the Year. He dedicated the award to all women football teams
on the African continent.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, who shone brightly at the FIFA World Cup
finals in Down Under this year summer as the Super Falcons reached the Round of
16, was the undoubted winner of the honour of Goalkeeper of the Year (Women).
The Paris FC of France safe hands made a moving speech:
“To all the young girls growing up in Africa, dreaming of
becoming a footballer one day, believe me dreams do come true. My dad didn’t
want me to play football but I’m sure he’s gonna see this and be happy. So,
keep dreaming, keep working and I believe that one day you’ll get to this
stage.”
After Asisat Oshoala won a record-extending sixth award as
Player of the Year (Women), the auditorium went silent as it was time to
present the men’s version. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi
and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah were the final three.
Osimhen was crowned, becoming the first Nigeria player in 24
years to take the gong. The last person was Nwankwo Kanu, back in 1999. Kanu
also won in 1996, after Rashidi Yekini in 1993 and Emmanuel Amuneke in 1994.
Victor Ikpeba took the crown in 1997.
“My charge would be that they all keep doing what they know
how to do best, keep improving and keep winning. The sky will be the beginning
for them.”
Osimhen became the first player in the history of the
African Football Awards to have been crowned Player of the Year (Men) after
having pocketed the Young Player of the Year (Men) in an earlier year.
Only last Monday, the 24-year-old was crowned the 2022/2023
Player of the Year in Italy’s Serie A, after having won the Young Player of the
Year in the same league in the 2021/2022 season.