Napoli striker Victor Osimhen continues to be a hot topic in the media, particularly as the rumour mill continues to focus on what his more immediate future might actually hold, given some of the strange confusing news that we have seen coming out of his club – despite his all important status to them.
With 26 goals to his name in their remarkable Serie A title winning campaign of 2022/23, the 24 year old talent has already scored six times in eight games during this season, and with the Super Eagles star finishing in eighth place in the recent 2023 men’s Ballon d’Or, he was also the top African player in this year’s ranking, and became the highest placed Nigerian since the award’s were incepted back in 1956.
Having helped Napoli to their first Italian title in 33 years, the recognition was always going to follow, and he has also now become the highest scoring African in Serie A history, taking the previous record from now Liberia president, George Weah.
Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amuneke has recently stated that he feels this is now the perfect foundation for Osimhen to really propel his career forward, and his name and talents on a football pitch and now even more well known.
Amuneke knows him well having served as his Under 17 coach at international level all those years ago, and has naturally followed his professional career closely in the years since.
“There is no doubt about his character, in terms of his desire and zeal to achieve something, succeed and win. As a coach at youth level, that was something that made me admire him. That is one of the best attributes for a player to make it to the highest stage.”
Osimhen’s success and personal accolades are only likely to grow in the future, as he has already finished as top scorer for his country in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign (ten goals), so it is now widely expected that he will be named the 2023 Confederation of African Football men’s player of the year when that trophy ceremony rolls around.
Having been named on the 30 man shortlist, if Osimhen does win it, he will become the first Nigerian to take the honour since 1999 and former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu.
Having won the trophy himself back in 1994, Amenuke added.
“We hope he wins the Caf award with what he has done for his club and the national team. Regardless of not playing at the World Cup, he has been able to establish himself as a worthy contender.”
Now we see what January brings.
