The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has celebrated Nigerian football stars, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala for winning the 2023 CAF prestigious awards.
NANS gave the commendation in a statement by its National Senate President, Elvis Ekundina, made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
The duo of Osimhen of the Super Eagles and Oshoala of the Super Falcons were announced African players of the year (male and female categories) in Marrakesh, Morocco on Dec. 11.
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Super Falcons goal-stopper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was also crowned the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2023 at the awards ceremony.
Osimhen won the men’s category of the award ahead of Egypt’s Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint Germain (PSG), making him the first Nigerian to do so since Nwankwo Kanu won it in 1999.
While Oshoala, who is currently playing for FC Barcelona, defeated Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa and Barbra Banda of Zambia to win the prestigious African award for a record six times.
Reacting to the feats by Nigerian football stars, the students’ body described the victories of Osimhen and Oshoala as result of dedication and consistency in the round leather game.
Ekundina described Osimhen and Oshoala as good ambassadors of Nigerians youths who have done the country proud.
“Osimhen and Oshoala triumph at CAF awards has re-established Nigeria’s dominance in African football. The entire Nigerian students are proud of you.
“Your victories are testaments to the hard work, strong spirit and patriotism that you have for your country”, the NANS Senate President said.
He however called on government at all levels to invest more in sports and discovery of new talents who would do the country proud.
While also commending the Ogun State government for declaring its intention to host the 22nd Edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged GATEWAY GAMES OGUN 2024, he said this showed the seriousness in hosting a world-class and befitting festival.
He said this is with the high level of preparation, including renovation and rehabilitation of stadia and other sport facilities selected for the festival.
The NANS Senate President said the festival no doubt would showcase the raw talents that would be the next Osimhens, Oshoalas and Tobi Amusans, among others.
