Monday’s award capped off a sterling year for the Super Eagles forward whose historic feat in the imperial Moroccan city of Marakesh ended Nigeria’s 24-year-old wait for Africa’s top individual prize.

Osimhen saw off competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah. At the event, a smiling Osimhen hailed the impact of Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached him at the U-17 level, as well as fans from the country among others.

“First of all, I want to say thank you to God for everything. Special thanks go to Mr. Emmanuel Amunike; without him, I don’t think I would be standing in front of you guys holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football,” he told the gathering of the creme-de-la-creme of African football and beyond.