Sports

FULL LIST: Osimhen, Salah, Others Get 2023 African Player Of The Year Nomination

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

The Confederation of African Football on Wednesday listed Nigeria’s forward, Victor Osimhen; Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, and 27 others as contenders for the 2023 men’s African Player of the Year awards.

CAF announced the Gala awards billed to be held on December 11, 2023, in Marrakech, Morocco, on their official website.

According to the statement, “A panel of CAF Technical Experts, African Football Legends, and selected media representatives from a number of countries put together the preliminary list for the various categories with the performance of the nominees between November 2022 and September 2023 serving as the period under consideration.

“Thirty (30) players made the cut for the top prize; CAF African Player of the Year, whilst 20 players have been nominated for the CAF Interclub Player of the Year. Coach of the Year, CAF National Team of the Year and Club of the Year have ten (10) nominees each just as CAF Young Player of the Year – for players under the age of 21.”

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“For the first time, CAF has introduced the CAF African Goalkeeper of the Year Category (Men and Women) in the prestigious event that seeks to reward and celebrate exceptional Players, Officials and Administrators during the period under review.

“It will be the first time that shot stoppers will be acknowledged for their performances, further expanding the network of winners for the annual event. 10 players have been nominated for the novel award.”

CAF maintained that the ultimate winner of each category will be decided after votes from a voting panel consisting of the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, Head Coaches and captains of Member Associations and clubs involved in the group stages of the Interclub competitions.

It further added that the nominees for the Women’s categories will be announced in due course.

Recall that Senegal forward Sadio Mane was crowned CAF African Player of the Year whilst Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala was coronated CAF African Women’s Player of the Year for a record fifth time during the last Awards Gala in July 2022 in Rabat, Morocco.

Full List of Nominees (in alphabetic order by Member Association):

Player of the Year (Men)

1. Ramy Bensebaini (Algeria and Borussia Dortmund)

2. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria and Al Ahli)

3. Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso and Bayer Leverkusen)

4. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon and SSC Napoli)

Sports

JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Al Nassr’s Stay, To Sign New Deal

Published

4 days ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even ready to sign a new deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.

The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.

The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.

Sports

Brazil Star, Neymar Tests Positive For COVID-19

Published

5 days ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Brazil forward Neymar has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, Santos announced in a statement cited by Brazilian media.

The 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and was immediately withdrawn from all team activities. Medical tests later confirmed the viral infection, the Brazil Serie A club said on Saturday.

Santos did not specify how long Neymar will be out of action and did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment.

Neymar is already set to miss Thursday’s league match at Fortaleza due to suspension.

That Fortaleza game will be Santos’ final fixture before the Brazilian league pauses for the Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 14 to July 13.

The former Barcelona forward’s future with Santos remains uncertain as his contract expires on June 30.

Limited by injury, Neymar has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, tallying three goals and three assists.

Sports

Osimhen Rejects Al Hilal 5th Offer, Wants To Stay In Europe

Published

5 days ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has officially turned down a fifth offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, reaffirming his desire to remain in Europe.

In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) handle, journalist Buchi Laba. Laba revealed that Osimhen has shut the door on any potential move to Saudi Arabia, regardless of the financial incentives.

“Victor Osimhen officially rejects Al Hilal 5th offer,” Laba wrote. “He has decided to not move there no matter the money offered. Case closed.”

Osimhen, who has been a subject of transfer speculation in recent months, appears to be in no rush to make a decision about his next move.

Sources close to the player suggest that his main priority is to continue his career in Europe, where he feels more competitively challenged.

“Main priority is to stay back in Europe,” Laba added, noting that “a top Italian club [is] very interested and other European clubs” are also keeping tabs on the Nigerian forward.

The 26-year-old Napoli star has been linked with several clubs across Europe, including teams in the Premier League and Serie A.

However, he is reportedly taking his time to evaluate the best sporting project before making his next move.

Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A title win in the 2022/23 season and also helped Galatasaray to a domestic double during his loan spell in Turkey last season.