“Extraordinary talent” – Peseiro, Eguavoen, Musa hail Osimhen, Oshoala after historic POTY awards

The Napoli and Barcelona strikers were the biggest winners on a memorable day in Morocco

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has showered praises on Victor Osimhen following the Napoli striker’s recognition as Africa’s Best Player at the CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen was named the winner of the 2023 CAF Player of the Year ahead of Paris Saint Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.

The Super Eagles attacker deserved the honour, having led Napoli to a first Scudetto title in 33 years as Serie A’s Best Striker, helped Nigeria to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament as the top goalscorer, and finished in the Ballon d’Or top ten.

Thrilled by Osimhen’s triumph, Peseiro congratulated the Nigerian hero, hailed him for his passion, and called him “one of the world’s best.”

Peseiro wrote on his Twitter page: “A big salute to @victorosimhen9 for winning CAF Player of the Year and being named in the CAF Team of the Year! His exceptional skill, commitment, and top-notch professionalism mark him as one of the world’s best. Truly deserved for an extraordinary talent!” 

A big salute to @victorosimhen9 for winning CAF Player of the Year and being named in the CAF team of the year! His exceptional skill, commitment, and top-notch professionalism mark him as one of the world's best. Truly deserved for an extraordinary talent! #CAFawards2023 pic.twitter.com/b5Se2FlXvI

— Jose Peseiro (@JosePeseiro) December 11, 2023

Nigeria’s most-capped men’s player, Ahmed Musa, has also applauded Osimhen following his remarkable achievement.

“Congrats, @victorosimhen9, well deserved,” the Sivasspor forward wrote.

Congrats @victorosimhen9 well deserved pic.twitter.com/AoVoECJLoZ

— Ahmed Musa MON (@Ahmedmusa718) December 11, 2023

Aside from Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons were all honoured on a beautiful night for Nigerian football.

Barcelona forward Oshoala won the Best Women’s Footballer of the Year for a record-extending sixth time. At the same time, Nnadozie picked up the inaugural edition of the Goalkeeper of the Year award.

The Super Falcons were named the best women’s national team on the continent following their exploits at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

Applause to the @NGSuper_Falcons for winning Team of the Year! Congrats to @AsisatOshoala, @alozieee, @OhaleOsinachi for making the Women's XI & @Nadoziechiamaka for Goalkeeper of the Year. Proud of our Nigerian stars shining on the global stage! #CAFawards2023 pic.twitter.com/Jv5880TQAN

— Jose Peseiro (@JosePeseiro) December 11, 2023

Osimhen was named in the Team of the Year (Men), while the trio of Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, and Oshoala were included in the Team of the Year (Women).

This development brought joy to the heart of the head of the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Department and former Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen, who wrote on Twitter:

“NIGERIA WON TONIGHT. 
Congratulations Victor Osimhen, Nnadozie Chiamaka, Asisat Oshoala, and the Super Falcons.”

Congrats ones again @victorosimhen9 @AsisatOshoala proud of you pic.twitter.com/OERbNH2dgw

— Ahmed Musa MON (@Ahmedmusa718) December 11, 2023

Osimhen is the fifth Nigerian ever to win the CAF POTY award and the first since Nwankwo Kanu last claimed it in 1999.

Interestingly, Oshoala and Osimhen’s victories also made it into the record books as the first time players from the same country will win the best player awards for men and women.