Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen was named African Footballer of the Year on Monday, defeating Mohamed Salah at a ceremony in Marrakech, with compatriot Asisat Oshoala taking the top medal in the women’s category.

Osimhen, 24, led Napoli to a surprising Serie A title last season with 26 goals, making him the league’s highest scorer.

Egypt’s Liverpool forward Salah and Morocco’s Paris St Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi were the other two final nominees but Osimhen grabbed the prize to become the first Nigerian winner since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

‘It’s a dream come true,’ Osimhen added. 

‘I must appreciate everyone who has assisted me on this trip, as well as all Africans who have contributed to place me on the map despite my flaws.’

Victor Osimhen has been named African Footballer of the Year after his goals helped Napoli win the Serie A championship.

Winner twice over Mo Salah made it to the final but was unable to win the prize for the third time.

With an eighth-place finish at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, Osimhen became the first Nigerian player in history to be listed in the top ten.  

Morocco was named National Team of the Year in the men’s category following their dramatic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar, while their manager, Walid Regragui, was named Coach of the Year.

Oshoala, a forward for Nigeria’s Barcelona, was named African Footballer of the Year for the sixth time after battling injuries to assist her team reach the round of 16 at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they faced England on penalties.

Nigeria won National Team of the Year, but South Africa’s Desiree Ellis earned Women’s Coach of the Year for the fourth time in a row.

Asisat Oshoala was selected African Footballer of the Year for the sixth time.