By Ken Afor
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian footballers Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, and Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards on Monday.
Osimhen was honored as the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, while Oshoala secured the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award for an impressive sixth time.
Furthermore, Nnadozie was recognized as the Women Goalkeeper of the Year, and the Super Falcons were acknowledged as the Women’s National Team of the Year.
In a congratulatory message shared on the President’s verified X account on Tuesday morning, he commended the trio for their exceptional performances and for serving as a source of inspiration to aspiring footballers throughout the continent.
“I congratulate Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, on winning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award, the remarkable achievements of Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who clinched the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of The Year for the sixth time, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was awarded the Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as the Super Falcons for emerging the Women’s National Team of the Year at the CAF Awards 2023.
“I commend the trio of Osimhen, Oshoala and Nnadozie for their outstanding performances on both national and international stages, and for being sources of pride to the nation and an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent,” the President said.
In addition, the President praised Osimhen and Oshoala for their unwavering commitment to their origins and their recognition of the invaluable contribution made by local coaches in shaping their growth.
According to the President, these accolades will mark the commencement of an enduring triumph for the Nigerian athletes.
“Watching the great ambassadors of Nigeria stand atop the podium as the African Footballers of the Year, in the men and women categories, on Monday night in Marrakesh, Morocco, has strengthened our belief that with hard work, perseverance, and the help of God, everything this nation needs for greatness is within us and available to us.
“I commend Victor and Asisat for not forgetting their roots and days of humble beginnings in the game they love so much and for acknowledging the role of indigenous coaches in shaping their careers” he added.
The President concluded his statement by joining Nigerians in praying that the honour marks the beginning of a journey with success.
“I join all Nigerian fans in praying that this well-deserved honour will be the beginning of a continued journey filled with success, triumphs, and the fulfilment of all your footballing dreams,” the President said.
Also, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, hailed Osimhen for winning the award after 24 years. Osimhen is now the first Nigerian winner of the men’s award since Kanu Nwankwo in 1999.
He also congratulated Oshoala for retaining hers for a record sixth-time.
“I am both excited and delighted at the news that Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have won the prestigious CAF Player of The Year in the men and women categories, respectively. This is no mean feat and is unprecedented in the rich footballing history of our dear country.
“Osimhen bringing the title to Nigeria after 24 years is no mean feat, as is Asisat Oshoala winning the same title for the sixth time.
“The greatness of this generation of Nigerians, irrespective of the leadership challenges of the country, is indeed a beacon of hope to all patriots.
“Congratulations, Victor Osimhen; congratulations, Asisat Oshoala, and congratulations to all Nigerians,” Atiku stated on his verified X account.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma congratulated Nnadozie for her award.
Governor Uzodimma expressed optimism that Nnadozie’s award will be a source of motivation for the youth in Imo.
“It is with immense joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chiamaka Nnadozie, Imo State’s outstanding goalkeeper, on clinching the prestigious 2023 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
“Nnadozie Chiamaka, your remarkable achievement fills our hearts with pride. I vividly recall our conversation during your visit, where I expressed my delight in your journey and encouraged you to soar higher.
“Your dedication to the beautiful game has borne fruit, serving as an inspiration to aspiring talents across our state. May this triumph be a beacon of motivation for our youth, reaffirming that greatness knows no bounds.
“Imo eagerly awaits the triumphant homecoming of our soccer champion. Cheers to your success!,” the Governor said.
