Nigeria Football Boss Gives One Charge To Africa’s Best Players, Oshoala And Mane

Following their triumphs at the CAF Award Night held at the Albatros Citadel Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada on Wednesday, the duo of Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala and Senegal’s Sadio Mane have been urged to strive to be even better.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amanju Pinnick, has congratulated the winners of the African Best Player’s awards while challenging both stars to not rest on their laurels. Super Falcons captain Asisat Oshoala claimed her fourth African Women Player of the Year award on the night, equalling the feat of compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha.

It was, however, the first ever African Player of the Year award for Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, who enjoyed a fabulous year for club and country.

Reacting to the honours accorded the fantastic duo, Pinnick only had kind words for the two individuals who have grown to become role models.

“There is no doubt that both players deserve their awards,” Mr Pinnick told the NFF official website. 

“Mane has been very consistent for a number of years and has worked hard to improve himself in all areas of his game, and I must say the same goes for Asisat Oshoala, who has also been an impact player for FC Barcelona Ladies within the short time that she arrived at the club.

“Mane and Oshoala have also been role models in their native communities with their commitment and investment in charity causes. I congratulate both players and urge them to continue to improve as they strive for excellence in all areas.”

Oshoala was, however, the only Nigerian to come away from the CAF-organized ceremony with an award after Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi, and the duo of Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen were all snubbed in the Best XI and Best Youth Player categories respectively.