Former Nigeria international Austin Okocha has hailed Napoli and Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhem over his “exceptional qualities” and tipped him to win the African Footballer of The Year award, The PUNCH reports.
The 24-year-old has been the most talented player in the Serie A in the 2022/23 season following his brilliant goal-scoring form with Naples.
The former Lille forward is currently the top scorer in the Italian topflight, having scored 17 goals in 18 games for the Parthenopeans.
Former midfield maestro Okocha believes the ex-Lille star is a strong contender for the prestigious African award and also expressed confidence in his chances of winning it.
“Yes definitely, I think he is the best player in Africa right now and I have no doubt that he is a very strong contender for that award,” Okocha told The Punch in Lagos on Thursday.
The former Paris Saint-German star noted that Osimhen’s hunger for goals stood him out among other strikers in Europe.
“Osinmeh is hungry to score goals and shoots smartly when he playing. It’s not something that you can learn, it comes naturally, maybe when you grow up in this side of the world, you learn on the streets how to fetch for yourself.
“You can see in Osimhen’s eyes the hunger for success and I think that is what is driving him.”
Osimhen’s exceptional performance has attracted interests from top clubs in the Premier League, with Manchester United and Chelsea keen on signing the Nigerian striker in the summer.
The 24-year-old was linked with a move to Old Trafford in January but turned down the chance of joining the Red Devils.
Osimhen’s impressive form earned him Serie A’s best player of the month for January, while he was also named the winner of the Serie A Goal of The Month award for his stunning Pele-like goal against Roma in the same month under review.
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