AFCON

Super Eagles’ head coach Peseiro confident in Osimhen’s ability to lead AFCON title charge

By Asuquo

Posted on January 6, 2024

Nigeria gets five 2023 CAF Awards top-three entries Nigeria will be in contention for 2023 CAF awards as, Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Deborah Abiodun and the Super Falcons have made the top-three shortlist for award categories. This is according to official announcement by the Confederation of African football [CAF] via its X handle on Thursday, December 7, 2023. CAF trimmed the list of nominees to three for the men and women award categories ahead of the grand-ceremony in Morocco, this weekend. In the men's category, Victor Osimhen will battle, Mohamed Salah [Egypt] and Achraf Hakimi [Morocco] for the Player of the year award. In the women's category, Nigeria is in contention in four categories. Super Falcons and FC Barcelona striker, Asisat Oshoala is up against South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Barbara Banda of Zambia for the Women’s player of the year award. Oshoala who has won the award for a record five times will eye a sixth crown with Thembi Kgatlana expected to mount a serious challenge. Paris FC and Super Falcons star, Chiamaka Nnadozie is favourite to land the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. The 22-year old is in the top-three alongside Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini. Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun will face Comfort Yeboah of Ghana and Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad for the Young Player of the Year, award. Also, the Super Falcons of Nigeria , are in the top-three for the National Team of the Year (Women) award. Fast-rising Morocco and current African champions South Africa, complete the shortlist for that category. American coach, Randy Waldrum is not in the top-three for the Coach of the Year award. Reynald Pedro of Morocco, Desiree Ellis of South Africa, and Jerry Tshabalala of Mamelodi Sundowns are preferred to the former Super Falcons coach. The 2023 CAF Awards ceremony will take place in Morocco on December 11, 2023.

In a celebratory dinner at the team’s training base in Abu Dhabi, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro expressed confidence in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s ability to lead the Nigerian squad to success at the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Osimhen, a pivotal player in the Super Eagles’ journey to qualification, showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting an impressive 10 goals during the qualifiers, securing his position as the top scorer.

Coach Peseiro emphasized the significance of the 25-year-old’s presence in the squad, recognizing Osimhen’s crucial role in their qualification for the prestigious tournament.

During the dinner held to celebrate Osimhen’s recognition as Africa’s best player, Peseiro spoke highly of the Napoli hitman, stating, “From our team, he (Osimhen) was the highest goal scorer during the qualifiers. Of course, his teammates helped him to achieve that. I hope and wish he wins the highest goal scorer and helps us win the tournament.”

Peseiro’s belief in Osimhen’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess highlights the coach’s optimism for a successful campaign in Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

As the Super Eagles prepare for the tournament, all eyes will be on Osimhen to fulfill the expectations and lead Nigeria to glory in one of Africa’s premier football competitions.