At the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023, held in London on 15 January, Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen secured the fifth position in the world's best player rankings.
The highlight of the ceremony was Argentina's Lionel Messi being crowned The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2023, overcoming tough competition from Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
With 24 points, Osimhen ranked only behind Messi, Haaland, Mbappe, Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
Photo by Icon Sport
Nations that voted for Super Eagles star Osimhen
The bulk of Osimhen's votes at the FIFA Awards 2023 originated from Africa, with national team captains from countries such as Angola, Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Eswatini, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, and Togo selecting him as their first, second, or third choice.
Additionally, captains from non-African nations, including Portugal, India, Kosovo, Anguilla, Australia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Afghanistan, and Trinidad and Tobago, also cast their votes in favour of the Napoli player.
Moreover, coaches from various countries contributed to Osimhen's overall support.
The list includes Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Congo DR, Djibouti, Finland, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Jamaica, Korea Republic, Liberia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria, Palestine, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Sao Tome, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Tunisia, and Vanuatu.
How Osimhen fared in 2023
Notably, it was no surprise when he was named the African Best Footballer for 2023 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a testament to his outstanding impact and prowess in the world of football.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in leading Napoli to their first Scudetto title in 33 years. His remarkable contribution included scoring 26 goals, which significantly propelled the Naples-based team to outscore their Italian opponents and ultimately clinch the long-awaited title that had eluded them for over three decades.
Osimhen's exceptional performance and goal-scoring prowess proved instrumental in Napoli's historic achievement.
About the FIFA Best Football Awards
The Best FIFA Football Awards are an annual celebration that recognises the most exceptional individuals in the world's most beloved sport. The inaugural ceremony took place on January 9, 2017, in Zürich, Switzerland, with the goal of revitalising the FIFA World Player Gala.
Osimhen is presently in Ivory Coast, representing the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He showcased his prowess by scoring a crucial goal when the Super Eagles drew with Equatorial Guinea in their Group A opener.
