Nigerian fans have hailed Napoli’s prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, after the Italian Footballers’ Association named him the Footballer of The Year for his stellar performance with the Neapolitans during the 2022/23 season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The award ceremony, held on Monday night, recognised outstanding achievements across various categories, including the Team of The Year, Coach of The Year, Club of The Year, and Goal of The Season.
Osimhen’s contribution of 26 goals played a pivotal role in securing the Partenopei’s first Scudetto in 33 years. And his exceptional performance not only earned him recognition at the AIC Oscar del Calcio but also positioned him as a nominee for prestigious awards such as the FIFA Best and Ballon d’Or, where he secured an impressive eighth place in the final rankings.
His stellar form secured him a spot in the Serie A Team of The Year, standing alongside exceptional players such as Mike Maignan, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Kim Min-jae, Andrea Bastoni, Theo Hernández, Stanislav Lobotka, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Nicolo Barella, Rafael Leão and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Despite facing challenges at the onset of the 2023/24 campaign and recent injury struggles, Osimhen’s remarkable goal-scoring record persists, with a commendable six goals from 10 league appearances.
In gratitude for the recognition, Osimhen stated on social media platform, X, “Thank you @GranGalaAIC for the recognition and awards, thank you my family, friends, and supporters for your votes and unending support. GOD is the Greatest.”
Several fans took to their X accounts on social media to laud Osimhen’s achievements and express their admiration.
Asiwaju Lerry celebrated Osimhen’s achievement and is already anticipating the Nigerian’s emergence as the African Player of the Year next Monday.
“Victor Osimhen wins the award for the best player in Serie A at the AIC Oscar del Calcio. CAF African Player of the Year award is next week, it’s coming home,” he wrote.
A Nigerian named Shola expressed enthusiasm, writing, “Victor Osimhen is the name. Can’t wait to see this lad win more.”
Mibanti, under the handle @RealMibanti, praised Osimhen’s accomplishment, urging him to continue bringing pride to Nigeria saying, “Victor Osimhen won the best player in Serie A. Keep making Nigeria proud.”
Yimzy, known as @oyimzy, hailed Osimhen’s character as he wrote, “He embodies class, hardwork and dedication. Victor Osimhen.”
Editi Peter expressed admiration and encouragement, stating, “God is the greatest. Your story is touching, go king.”
Edmund Oris conveyed congratulations and ambition for Osimhen’s future achievements and he believes that the Nigerian is now in contention to win the Ballon d’Or now that eight-time winner Lionel Messi is out of Europe.
“Congratulations king. With Messi out of Europe, let’s go for the Ballon d’Or next,” Oris wrote.
