‘Osimhen to beat Salah, Mahrez to African Player of the Year’ – Asamoah Gyan

‘Osimhen to beat Salah, Mahrez to African Player of the Year’ – Asamoah Gyan
Credit: Icon Sport

Former Ghanaian international Asamoah Gyan has boldly predicted that Victor Osimhen will outshine players like Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez to claim the African Footballer of the Year award.

Gyan's endorsement of Osimhen is backed by the player's outstanding performance and notable contributions to his club, Napoli.

The prestigious African Footballer of the Year award, an accolade that recognizes the remarkable achievements of African footballers, is an annual event that captures the attention of football fans worldwide.

In an interview, Gyan voiced his support for Osimhen's bid for the African Player of the Year award.

Gyan stated that he thinks Osimhen deserves it this year. As a striker himself, he added that he can see his remarkable progress. Notably, Osimhen boasts impressive statistics, and his triumph in clinching the league title with Napoli showcases his capabilities.

Gyan's endorsement of Osimhen carries significant weight, given his own illustrious career as a top-class striker and his deep insights into the game. His affirmation of Osimhen's performance underscores the young Nigerian's rising star power and places him firmly in the spotlight for this coveted title.

Understanding the African Footballer of the Year award

The African Footballer of the Year award is a distinguished recognition presented annually by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) since 1992.

This prestigious honor celebrates the prowess, dedication, and accomplishments of African footballers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and excellence on the field.

Notably, some players have left an indelible mark on the award's history.

Cameroonian icon Samuel Eto'o and Ivorian maestro Yaya Touré lead the list of multiple-time winners, both securing the award on four occasions.

The accolade's rich history also includes the likes of Didier Drogba, who claimed the title twice and holds records for the most runner-up and third-place finishes, establishing himself as a true African football legend.

Interestingly, the award's global appeal is showcased by players like Frédéric Kanouté, Mahrez, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who were born in Europe but went on to represent their African heritage.

This blend of cultural backgrounds adds a unique dimension to the award's narrative, highlighting the global influence and inclusivity of African football.

Osimhen's rivals for Player of the Year award

Napoli's Victor Osimhen tries to control the ball
Credit: Icon Sport

Osimhen's remarkable achievements have ignited a new era of success for Napoli, as his pivotal contributions played a pivotal role in the club's long-awaited Serie A title triumph, ending a 30-year drought.

Osimhen's prolific scoring ability was on full display as he clinched the Serie A golden boot, further solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

His instrumental role in securing Napoli's qualification for the UEFA Champions League adds another layer of accomplishment to his impressive resume.

While Osimhen's credentials and Gyan's endorsement make a compelling case, the competition for the African Player of the Year award remains fierce.

Other notable contenders, such as Liverpool's prolific forward Salah and former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, have consistently displayed their footballing prowess and contributed significantly to their respective clubs' successes.

Salah's remarkable ability to consistently find the back of the net and his pivotal role in propelling Liverpool to victory make him an enduring frontrunner for the coveted African Player of the Year award.

However, it's Mahrez's historic achievement of securing a treble with Manchester City that truly cements his status as a standout player in the global football arena.

His skillful playmaking and game-changing performances have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Moreover, the spotlight shines brightly on Yassine Bounou, whose heroic exploits during the 2022 World Cup and instrumental leadership in guiding Morocco to the semifinals, combined with his instrumental contributions to Sevilla's victorious Europa League campaign, have undeniably placed him among the elite contenders competing for this illustrious and esteemed accolade.

Ultimately, the decision on who deserves the coveted title will hinge on a combination of individual performance, club achievements, and the intangible qualities that define a true footballing great.

As the countdown to the African Footballer of the Year award continues, fans around the world eagerly await the announcement that will highlight the exceptional talents and contributions of African football stars.

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

Rababe Koussaimi, a 22-year-old journalist, is deeply passionate about the world of sports. She grew up in a footballing environment, supporting both Bayern Munich and Wydad Athletic Club. She began her English journalism career by hosting a podcast for the first English radio station in Morocco. Currently, the Moroccan journalist channels her enthusiasm into writing and conducting extensive research, creating insightful and engaging content for GoalBall Live readers.