Oliseh Surprised Osimhen Is Africa’s Best In France

The young Lille star beat compatriot Nantes’ Moses Simon and several other top talents to the 2020 Marc-Vivien Foe Prize, much to the delight of the former Super Eagles skipper

Ex-Juventus midfielder Sunday Oliseh has congratulated Victor Osimhen on being named the best African player in the French Championship in his maiden campaign in that country’s top flight.

Oliseh is, however, surprised that the former Sporting Charleroi forward received the award ahead of more experienced stars like Algeria’s Islam Slimani who came second, Morocco’s Yunis Abdelhamid and Senegal’s Mbaye Niang who finished in third and fifth position respectively.

Osimhen enjoyed an exceptional season finding the back of the net 13 times in 27 league matches to help Lille finish fourth on the final league standing.

Monaco’s Slimani, who won the AFCON with Algeria last year, only managed nine goals in 18 games while Rennes’ Niang had ten goals to his name.

Nantes’ winger, Simon, who contributed five goals and five assists to the Yellow Canaries’ Ligue 1 cause was also among those that Osimhen best to the award given in honour of the late Cameroonian legend.

Oliseh is convinced anyone of these top performers could have won the Marc-Vivien Foe Prize, but the 1994 AFCON winner is pleased that Osimhen was found worthy of it.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate Victor Osimhen for being elected winner of the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize,” Oliseh told the RFI.

“This trophy is important since it rewards the best African player in the French Championship. It is important for us Africans.

“I find his victory even more surprising when we see the competitors that Victor had to surpass to win this title. Many people will wonder if he deserves it, if he is better than these players.

“But what Victor has done this season is truly exceptional. Thanks to him, his team managed to make a great season.

“I think Victor frankly deserves it because he brought a lot to his club. We really saw the difference when Victor was on the field and when he was not. We see the possibilities he offers his teammates to go forward. We also see the pressure he places on his opponent’s defences.”

It has truly been a remarkable season for Osimhen who was also named Lille’s player of the season.