Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria is the first female footballer to receive the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards’ “African Woman Player of the Year” five times.
Oshoala defeated rivals Grace Chanda of Zambia and Ajara Nchout Njoya of Cameroon to win her sixth championship at the CAF Awards ceremony on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco.
Osoala has eclipsed fellow countrymen Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon and Perpetua Nkwocha of Nigeria, both of whom won the accolades four times each.
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Oshoala, who was visibly moved, said it was a momentous night for her and dedicated the trophy to the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national team.
“It’s a historic night for me and I want to thank everyone who has helped me in my career. The 2021/2022 season was really tough for me as an individual. This year made me realise that if you don’t fall, you don’t know the power of comeback,” the player said.
She added, “Thanks to my teammates at Barcelona FC and my national team, the Super Falcons, for showing Africa how resilient you can be during the semi-finals against Morocco on Monday. I dedicate this award to the Super Falcons.”
Meanwhile, Sadio Mane of Senegal has been named the CAF’s “Male Player of the Year” for the second consecutive year.
Oshoala suffered an injury during Nigeria’s opening match against South Africa, which forced her to withdraw from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) taking place in Morocco.
The Super Falcons will take on Zambia in the third-place game on Friday after losing to Morocco in the semifinal on penalties.
(NAN)
