Nigeria President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, on winning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award.
The President, in a release issued on Tuesday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, also celebrated 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, and 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.
In a seperate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also congratulated the players, stating that the feat goes to show how much strength there is in unity and how much Nigeria can achieve with unity.
President Tinubu commended the trio of Osimhen, Oshoala and Nnadozie for their outstanding performances at both national and international stages, and for being sources of pride to the nation and an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent.
”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.
”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.
In a separate release, the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu also congratulated the players, stating that the feat goes to show how much strength there is in unity and how much Nigeria can achieve with unity.
“I congratulate Ms Asisat Oshoala for securing the African women’s player of the year award for a record sixth time! That’s the Nigerian Spirit! Keep making us proud.
“Also, I congratulate another great achiever, Chiamaka Nnadozie, African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year! I remember the Super Falcons game against Australia at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup where you displayed great goal keeping skills to keep us in the game till we won .
“I celebrate the entire Nigeria Women’s National Team for winning the African Women’s National Team of the Year. Your unity and exceptional performance shine brightly! This tells us that there is strength in our unity as a people and in unity, we shall achieve more.
The Senator also congratulated Victor Osimhen, adding that he is the first Nigerian to achieve the feat after Akanu Nwankwo .
“ I salute Victor Osimhen, who was honoured as the Best African Footballer, Male. You are winning this as the first Nigerian to do so in 24 years, after Kanu Nwankwo in 1999. I am proud of you.
“Your prowess on the field is truly commendable!
“Thank you all for making Nigeria proud. Truly, our Hope for a greater Nigeria is becoming a reality. Congratulations Nigeria. There is more to come.”
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
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