Over the years, many Nigerian footballers have become stars in African football. Some players have been so good that they won the CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
This award is given to the best African player of the year and is a huge honor. Here are some Nigerian football legends who have won this prestigious award and how they made their mark on African football.
Rashidi Yekini (1993)
Rashidi Yekini was the first Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award in 1993. Known for his powerful shots and goal-scoring ability, Yekini was a force on the field. …CONTINUE READING
He scored many important goals for Nigeria, including being the top scorer at the 1992 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria finished in third place. Yekini’s success continued when he played for Vitoria Setubal in Portugal, where he averaged an impressive one goal per game during the 1992/93 season.
Emmanuel Amuneke (1994)
In 1994, Emmanuel Amuneke followed in Yekini’s footsteps by winning the African Footballer of the Year award. Amuneke had an incredible year, helping Nigeria win the 1994 AFCON by scoring both goals in the 2-0 victory over Zambia in the final.
He also helped Nigeria qualify for their first FIFA World Cup, where he scored goals against Bulgaria and Italy. His brilliant performances made him one of Africa’s top players, and he won the CAF award ahead of Liberian legend George Weah.
Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999)
Nwankwo Kanu is one of the most famous Nigerian footballers and won the African Footballer of the Year award twice—in 1996 and 1999. Kanu had an amazing career, first making waves when he helped Ajax win the UEFA Champions League in 1995.
He then played a key role in Nigeria’s gold medal win at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. In 1999, Kanu won the award again after his remarkable recovery from a heart condition and success with Arsenal in the English Premier League.
Victor Ikpeba (1997)
Victor Ikpeba became the African Footballer of the Year in 1997 after a fantastic season playing for AS Monaco in France. Ikpeba scored 26 goals across all competitions during the 1996-97 season, leading Monaco to win both the French league title and the domestic cup. His impressive performances also saw him finish as the second-highest scorer in the UEFA Cup that season.
Victor Osimhen (2023)
Victor Osimhen made history in 2023 by ending a 24-year drought for Nigeria when he became the first Nigerian since Kanu to win the African Footballer of the Year. Osimhen had an outstanding year, scoring 26 goals to help Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years. His achievements earned him recognition on the global stage, including nominations for the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Player awards.
Mercy Akide (1999, 2001
Mercy Akide was the first Nigerian woman to win the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award in 1999. Akide played a huge role in the success of Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons. She was a key player in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers and helped establish Nigeria as a force in African women’s football. She won the award again in 2001, making her one of the top female footballers of her time.
Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010, 2011)
Perpetua Nkwocha is a legendary figure in women’s football and a four-time winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. She first won the award in 2004 after scoring four goals in the final of the African Women’s Championship, leading Nigeria to victory. Nkwocha’s leadership and goal-scoring ability made her one of the best female footballers in Africa. She won the award again in 2005, 2010, and 2011.
Cynthia Uwak (2006, 2007)
Cynthia Uwak won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award in 2006 and 2007, during a time when Perpetua Nkwocha dominated Nigerian women’s football. Uwak’s skill and creativity as a midfielder helped her team win important matches, and she was known for her ability to score crucial goals. Her success on the field earned her recognition both in Africa and in Europe, where she played for top clubs in France and Sweden.
Asisat Oshoala (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023)
Asisat Oshoala is one of the most successful Nigerian footballers ever. She has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award six times, more than any other African footballer, male or female. Oshoala has played for top clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona, where she has continued to shine. Her incredible skills and determination have made her a global football star, and she has inspired many young girls to follow their dreams in football.
