Former Togo and Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor believes Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen should win the 2023 African Player of the Year award.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in Napoli winning their first league title in over three decades, scoring 26 goals and providing five assists as they were crowned champions of Italy.
The 24-year-old’s impressive performance last season placed him as one of the favourites for the award, alongside Man City’s Riyad Mahrez, who won the treble, and Sevilla’s Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri.
The last time a Nigerian won the award was Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Adebayor a recipient of the award in 2008, said Osimhen’s performance last season gave him the advantage.
“It’s very simple, we have seen the season and for me if you ask me who deserve the 2023 African Player of the Year award, its Osimhen, because of what he has done with Napoli, scoring in all the biggest games in Italy and also winning the Scudetto.
“He has done quite well, who is there (to challenge Osimhen) Sadio Mane was injured and had a difficult season, Mohamed Salah had one of his worst seasons in his career, there’s the guy from Cameroon Zambo Anguissa but the star player in Napoli is Osimhen. If you ask me to vote and I am given 10 votes I will give 12 to Osimhen for the 2023 African Player of the Year,” the former Real Madrid man said.
Osimhen also became the first African player to secure the prestigious Capocannoniere award, given to the top scorer in Serie A.
The Nigerian forward is scheduled to resume pre-season training July 19, as he eagerly awaits the developments surrounding his future.
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