CAF awards: Scorecard of Nigerian players since 1992 News

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CAF awards: Scorecard of Nigerian players since 1992

By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 14, 2023

Nigerian’s football history brims with triumphs and outstanding talents. Following the country’s success at the recent 2023 CAF awards, PUNCH Sports Extra’s PETER AKINBO takes a look at all Nigerians who have won the coveted prize on Africa’s biggest stage

Women’s Player of the Year

Mercy Akide – 1999, 2001

The winner of the first-ever Women’s Player of The Year award, Akide made her international debut in a World Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone in Ibadan and she marked the occasion with two goals.

The first time Akide was honoured with the continental title, she stood alongside fellow Nigerian icon, Nwankwo Kanu as they became the first from one nation to claim both the men’s and women’s honours.

Perpetua Nkwocha – 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011

Four-time winner Nkwocha stands tall as a legendary figure in women’s football heralded for her remarkable prowess on the field and invaluable contributions to the sport. She was a pivotal player for the Super Falcons and participated in seven WAFCONs, winning five of them. At the 2004 African Women’s championship, she scored four goals in the final against Cameroon to help Nigeria win the title.

She also set a record by scoring nine overall goals during the tournament and was named the best player of the tournament. That was the first year Nkwocha was voted African Women’s Footballer of the Year and she went on to win it again the next year later claiming another back-to-back in 2010 and 2011.

Cynthia Uwak – 2006, 2007

While Nkwocha was at her best, few could usurp her to the Women’s Player of The Year crown, and her compatriot was one of those who did, and not only once but twice as Uwak emerged back-to-back winners claiming the title in 2006 and 2007.

A formidable midfielder known for her exceptional vision, technical prowess, and creative playmaking abilities, Uwak became a vital component of the Nigerian women’s football scene. Her flair on the field, coupled with her knack for scoring crucial goals and setting up teammates, solidified her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential footballers.

In her illustrious career, Uwak won the WAFCON title twice in 2004 and 2006 while also claiming league titles in France and Sweden.

Asisat Oshoala – 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023

Oshoala swiftly ascended to become one of the most electrifying talents in women’s football. From her early days at Robo FC and Rivers Angels in Nigeria to successful stints in Europe’s top leagues, including spells at Liverpool, Arsenal, and now Barcelona, she consistently demonstrated her ability to shine on the grandest stages. Her prowess on the field led to several prestigious awards, and she is the only African to have won the Women’s Player of The Year title a record six times.

Men’s Player of the Year

Rashidi Yekini – 1993

A prolific striker, Yekini, renowned for his powerful and clinical finishing, earned the 1993 CAF Men’s Player of The Year award. The ‘Goals Father’ is Nigeria’s all-time highest goalscorer and had a remarkable career playing in Europe and for the Nigerian national team, where he scored Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal in 1994.

Emmanuel Amunike – 1994

A skillful winger with pace and technical ability, Amunike claimed the 1994 CAF Men’s Player of The Year award. He played a significant role in Nigeria’s success at the 1994 African Cup of Nations and was a part of the team that participated at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, scoring against Bulgaria and Italy.

Additionally, Amunike played all the games at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, scoring the winning goal in the final as the national team won the gold medal.

Nwankwo Kanu – 1996, 1999

Kanu, a versatile and talented forward, is the only Nigerian to have won the CAF Men’s Player of The Year award twice. He showcased his skill and creativity playing for top clubs like Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, and was a crucial part of Nigeria’s golden generation that won the 1996 Summer Olympics where he scored the winning goal in the 4–3 semi-final win over Brazil, his second goal of the match.

Victor Ikpeba – 1997

A member of the Eagles squad that won the 1994 African Cup of Nations, Ikpeba secured the CAF Men’s Player of The Year award in 1997.

He made a significant impact at AS Monaco winning the 1996/97 Ligue 1 title and the 1997 Trophees des Champions.

Victor Osimhen – 2023

Osimhen was named the winner of the 2023 CAF Player of The Year Award on Monday, becoming the first Nigerian to win the award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 breaking a 24-year jinx.

Osimhen’s contribution of 26 goals played a pivotal role in securing Partenopei’s first Scudetto in 33 years. He also won the Italian Footballers’ Player of the Year award and a spot in the Serie A Team of the Year and African XI. The 24-year-old was also nominated for the prestigious FIFA Best and Ballon d’Or, where he secured an impressive 8th place in the final rankings.

Men’s Football Coach of the Year

Kadiri Ikhana – 2003

Ikhana, a renowned coach, earned the Men’s Football Coach of The Year award in 2003 for his exceptional leadership and coaching prowess, contributing significantly to Nigerian football.

Ikhana managed Enyimba, winning the African Champions League in 2003 and in 2004, he was manager of the Nigerian men’s Olympic team.

Okey Emordi – 2004

Emordi’s tactical acumen and coaching brilliance secured him the Men’s Football Coach of The Year award in 2004. Just like Ikhana, he led Enyimba to an African Champions League title after his predecessor went to the Olympic team.

Stephen Keshi – 2005, 2013

Keshi, a legendary figure in Nigerian football, clinched the Men’s Football Coach of The Year award twice. He made history as the coach of Nigeria’s national team, leading them to win the African Cup of Nations in 2013.

Yemi Tella – 2007

Tella’s exceptional coaching abilities earned him the Men’s Football Coach of The Year award in 2007. His contributions significantly impacted Nigerian football, guiding and mentoring players to achieve success.

He led the Golden Eaglets to the FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph in 2007.

Best Young Player of the Year

Victor Osimhen – 2015

Osimhen, a rising star known for his exceptional talent and goal-scoring prowess, claimed the Best Young Player of The Year award in 2015. His performances at a young age showcased immense potential and promise in Nigerian football.

Best Young Player of the Year (Woman)

Asisat Oshoala – 2014

Asisat Oshoala’s recognition as the Best Young Player of The Year in 2014 heralded the emergence of a rising star in women’s football. Her exceptional skills, relentless determination, and electrifying performances at a young age set the stage for her future triumphs in the sport.

Best Local Player

Vincent Enyeama – 2004

Vincent Enyeama’s recognition underscored his exceptional performances within the Nigerian football league, standing out as a top-tier player in the domestic scene.

Despite his below-average height for a goalkeeper, he is popularly regarded as one of the greatest African goalkeepers of all time and of his era. During his spell with Enyimba International, he won the CAF Champions League twice (2003 and 2004).

National Team of the Year

Super Eagles – 2013

The Nigerian national team, under the leadership of Stephen Keshi, earned the National Team of the Year award in 2013 for their outstanding performance, winning the African Cup of Nations.

Super Falcons – 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2023

The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national team, claimed multiple National Team of The Year awards in various years, showcasing their dominance and success in women’s football on the continent.

The 2023 prize came off the back of an impressive showing at the World Cup earlier in the year. The Falcons made it to the round of 16 where they met England losing on penalty shootouts.

Before the defeat, the Super Falcons did not lose a match in their three group games. They drew Olympic champions Canada, shock co-hosts Australia, and settled for a point against the Republic of Ireland.

Club of the Year (Men)

Enyimba – 2003, 2004

Enyimba FC’s back-to-back triumphs in the African Champions League marked a golden era for the club in continental competitions, showcasing their prowess in African football as they won the Club of The Year on both occasions.

Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)

Chiamaka Nnadozie – 2023

Chiamaka Nnadozie’s win of the inaugural Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award highlighted her exceptional goalkeeping skills and contributions to the success of the Falcons at the World Cup and AFCON where her penalty-saving skills were on display.

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 14, 2023