African Footballer of 2023: Osimhen, Salah, and Hakimi are contenders for the award

The press service of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the names of the top contenders for the title of the continent's best footballer in 2023.

Three players stand as the main contenders for this prestigious award: forward Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli), winger Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool), and defender Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG).

Previously, the African Football Confederation announced the three contenders for the best goalkeeper of the year.

Osimhen's contribution to Napoli's championship season in 2022/23 is invaluable. With 26 goals, the Nigerian emerged as Serie A's top scorer.

Although Salah hasn't boasted significant team accomplishments at Liverpool (only winning the English Super Cup), the Egyptian netted 30 goals across all competitions last season. The 25-year-old Hakimi claimed victory in both the French championship and the French Super Cup alongside PSG, being a key player for the team (39 matches, five goals, and six assists).

Competing for other awards in various categories:

Best Player Playing in Africa:

• Fiston Mayele (DR Congo, Pyramids)
• Peter Shalulile (Namibia, Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Percy Tau (South Africa, Al-Ahly)

Young Player of the Year:

• Abdessamad Ezzalzuli (Morocco, Real Betis)
• Lamin Kamara (Senegal, Metz)
• Amara Diouf (Senegal, Metz)

Coach of the Year:

• Abdelhak Benchikha (Algeria, Simba)
• Walid Regragui (Morocco)
• Aliou Cissé (Senegal)

National Team of the Year:

• Gambia
• Morocco
• Senegal

Club of the Year:

• Al-Ahly (Egypt)
• Wydad (Morocco)
• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

The ceremony honoring Africa's best footballer, along with other categories, is scheduled for December 11th in Marrakech, Morocco.