Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election Atiku Abubakar; his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, have congratulated Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, on winning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award.
In separate statement yesterday, also congratulated 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 also awarded the Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as the Super Falcons for emerging the Women’s National Team of the Year.
Tinubu, in statement yesterday, by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, hailed the footballers 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.
For his part, Atiku, hailed the Nigerian footballers for winning the 2023 awards.
Atiku, in his congratulatory message to the players, commended the young generation for aspiring for greatness against the country’s current leadership challenges.
He wrote, “I am both excited and delighted at the news that Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have won the prestigious CAF Player of the Year in the men and women categories, respectively. This is no mean feat and is unprecedented in the rich footballing history of our dear country.
“Osimhen bringing the title to Nigeria after 24 years is no mean feat, as is Asisat Oshoala’s winning the same title for the sixth time.
“The greatness of this generation of Nigerians, irrespective of the leadership challenges of the country, is indeed a beacon of hope to all patriots. Congratulations, Victor Osimhen; congratulations, Asisat Oshoala, and congratulations to all Nigerians,” the former vice president stated.
Also, Obi, in a statement via his Twitter handle, said he was proud of the players.
Obi stated, “I like to join all other sports lovers in the country to sincerely congratulate the Nigeria duo of @victorosimhen9 and @AsisatOshoala for emerging African Players of the Year, in the Men and Women categories respectively this year.
“We are all proud of their awards, which bear witness to their innate talents, passions for growth, and determination for success.
“My sincere desire is that every Nigerian youth will have the needed enablement to explore and develop their talents, and skills and live to fulfill their dreams. By doing so helps to contribute to the development of our nation. These things are possible in the New Nigeria we are looking forward to.”
Obaseki, in a statement, stated: “I congratulate the Nigeria duo, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala for winning the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year, Men and Women categories respectively. Kudos to the 2023 CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie on her win, also.
“Their emergence is a triumph of the Nigerian youth and serves as inspiration for our young people to continue to pursue their craft with determination and hard work.”
The governor noted that the dominance of Nigerian players in this year’s ceremony was a testament to the talent of the players and their commitment to improving themselves, a feat which is now being recognized globally.
“I particularly celebrate Osimhen, who is of Edo origin. He has continued to make us proud and serves as an inspiration to children in the State who are being given the opportunity to pursue careers in sports with the reforms being implemented to improve grassroot sports,” he added.
