Why Osimhen May Not Win 2023 African Player Of The Year Award —Udeze

Former Super Eagles left-back Ifeanyi Udeze has said there is a possibility that Victor Osimhen May not be crowned 2023 CAF African Player of the Year.

Osimhen finished eight in the 2023 Ballon d’Or award held in Paris, France, on Monday.

The Napoli striker finished ahead of Mohamed Salah of Egypt, Cameroon’s Andre Onana and Morocco goalkeeper Yacine Bounou.

It is the highest position finished by a Nigerian and a Napoli player in the Ballon d’Or award.

Despite Osimhen’s feat, Udeze pointed out that the CAF award is different from the Ballon d’Or award.

The Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup star stated that the Qatar 2022 World Cup might be a factor.

“Osimhen has the upper hand ahead of other African players but we should remember CAF award is different from Ballon d’Or,” Udeze said on Brila FM’s Breakfast Show.

“The 2022 FIFA World Cup will play a major role especially for players of the Morocco national team that got to the semi-final in Qatar. Messi won the Ballon d’Or because of his performance at the World Cup.

“So that’s my fear for Osimhen winning the African Player of the Year award.“

The last time a Nigerian player won the CAF Player of the Year award was Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

The late Rashidi Yekini was the first Super Eagles player to win the award after landing it in 1993.

Emmanuel Amuneke won it in 1994, in 1996 it was the turn of Kanu and Victor Ikpeba got it in 1997.