Legendary players of the beautiful game are uniting around Napoli and Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen, hailing him as the worthy recipient of the eagerly awaited 2023 CAF Player of The Year Award. This wave of support is resonating across Africa’s football scene. Osimhen’s outstanding accomplishments have energized his quest for this esteemed award, with the support of other football legends.

The unrivaled contributions Osimhen has made to Napoli’s recent success are attested to by the resounding chorus of praise that crosses continents and generations. As these football legends, each of whom has left an enduring imprint on history, raise their voices in support of a budding star, the air is electrifying with anticipation.

In a recent interview with BOUNCE SPORTS, former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan named Osimhen as the award’s ideal recipient. Gyan emphasized Osimhen’s outstanding performance from the prior campaign, in which the 24-year-old striker’s 26 goals in 32 league games were a crucial component in Napoli’s victorious Serie A victory.

“For me, he (Osimhen) deserves it. As a striker and seeing what he is doing, for the first time in over 30 years, winning the league with Napoli. He deserves it,” asserted Gyan.

Just saying…

🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen is the top goalscorer in the top-five European leagues since the start of 2023 (19 goals scored) 🤷‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/cZhA6XxMBw

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) August 19, 2023

Former Togo and Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor added his forceful support for Osimhen’s campaign to that of Gyan. Adebayor praised Osimhen for his crucial role in helping Napoli win their first league title in more than three decades, an achievement that unquestionably qualifies him for the prestigious award. With 26 goals and five assists, Osimhen’s striking prowess, exemplifies him, putting him in the spotlight alongside fellow contenders Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City and Youssef En-Nesyri of Sevilla.

Adebayor’s fervent belief in Osimhen’s prospects was evident in his words: “When you have a player like Victor Osimhen achieving remarkable feats, especially bringing the league title to Napoli after so many years, it speaks volumes about his capabilities. He’s got my vote for the African Player of the Year.”

The voice of Peter Rufai, a renowned name in Nigerian football history, further fuels the people’s optimism for the honor. Rufai highlighted Osimhen’s outstanding contributions to the game and stated his hope that Osimhen may end Nigeria’s 24-year wait for the honor.

Rufai stated, “Victor Osimhen is not just an excellent player, but also a game-changer. His dedication and performance are apparent in Napoli’s recent success. I’m confident he can break Nigeria’s dry spell in the African Player of the Year category.”

AFCON 2013 Top Goalscorer, Emmanuel Emenike, joined the chorus of acclaim, offering his perspective on Osimhen’s credentials for the award. Emenike, who himself left an indelible mark on Nigerian football, expressed his unwavering belief in Osimhen’s abilities.

CAF confirm 2023 #CAFAwards will hold on December 11.

Victor Osimhen has a really strong case for the top prize.

Will he be Nigeria's first APOTY in 23 years? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/pNDPSb2lAn

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) July 25, 2023

“Victor Osimhen is a player with immense potential. His dedication and skill on the field have been evident in every match he plays. His impact in Napoli’s league-winning campaign cannot be underestimated,” remarked Emenike. “I believe Osimhen is the standout choice for the CAF Player of The Year Award, and his triumph would be a source of pride for Nigerian football.”

The CAF Awards ceremony, which will take place on December 11 in Morocco, promises to be a celebration of the continent’s outstanding football accomplishments in both interclub and international competitions. Osimhen, who is among this year’s top contenders, has benefited from CAF’s revelation that the award’s evaluation period will now run from September 2022 to June 2023. His outstanding accomplishments over this period have elevated him to the status of a serious contender for the coveted crown, reigniting dreams for a Nigerian victory akin to Nwankwo Kanu’s in 1999.

Africans aspire for Victor Osimhen to win the 2023 CAF Player of The Year Award as the expectation grows and echoes of support from legends reverberate across the continent. The finale in Morocco, where history may be altered and a new legend may be born, will be avidly anticipated by the football community.