CAF Awards 2023: Osimhen makes men’s player of the year top 10 cut
Victor Osimhen has been named in the final 10-man shortlist for the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.
CAF reduced the list to 10 from the original 30 released two weeks ago.
Africa’s soccer ruling body announced the contenders for the individual accolade on its X handle on Friday.
Senegal’s Sadio Mane, who won the prestigious award for the first time last year, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou and Yousef En-Nesyri made the shortlist.
Osimhen’s Napoli teammate, Frank Zambo-Anguissa, Vincent Aboubacar, Riyad Mahrez and Sofyan Amrabat were also included.
READ ALSO:
Osimhen is overwhelming favourites to win the award following his impressive displays for Napoli in the 2022/23 season.
The Nigeria international scored 26 goals in 32 league outings to help the Partenopei win the Scudetto in over three decades.
The 24-year-old also registered five more goals in the UEFA Champions League.
Osimhen, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury has scored six goals 10 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A champions this season.
His compatriot Gift Orban failed to make final shortlist for the Young Player of the Year.
The award ceremony will hold in the city of Marrakech, Morocco on December 11
How much is Mike Tyson, Jake Paul getting paid for the fight?
Jake Paul, a former child star and social media influencer who began his professional boxing career in 2020, on Saturday secured a victory against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a boxing bout.
The fight was livestreamed worldwide on Netflix, and Paul won by unanimous decision.
While the outcome surprised some, the financial stakes were just as intense as the match itself, with both fighters set to earn huge sums for their efforts.
Mike Tyson, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, is 58 years old and has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
READ ALSO:
While this figure is modest compared to the hundreds of millions Tyson earned during his career, including $400 million in fight purses according to Forbes, he’s also made a remarkable comeback after declaring bankruptcy in 2013 at age 37.
Although promoters did not disclose Tyson’s exact earnings from the fight, reports from sources like DraftKings Network estimate he will earn around $20 million.
This figure is comparable to the amount Tyson earned for his 1988 match against Michael Spinks, which had a record purse at the time (worth approximately $53 million today when adjusted for inflation). That fight ended in just 91 seconds, with Tyson knocking out the previously undefeated Spinks.
Jake Paul, 27, is expected to earn approximately $40 million, according to estimates from DraftKings Network and other sources. This is double the amount Tyson is projected to make. One reason for this disparity may be Paul’s status as a top social media influencer, with 27 million followers on Instagram alone. Additionally, Paul is the co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the company promoting the fight in partnership with Netflix.
Paul’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
I don’t think so – Mike Tyson on boxing retirement after loss to Paul
After his defeat to Jake Paul, 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson indicated that he has no immediate plans to retire
This is just as he had praises for Paul who he stood toe-to-toe with till the final round and ultimately lost to by a unanimous decision.
“I’m really happy. He was a good fighter and well prepared,” Mike Tyson said. “I didn’t prove anything to anyone. Just to myself.”
Asked on a knee brace that he wore for the fight, Tyson said: “I can’t use that as an excuse or wouldn’t have been in there.”
Asked if this was the end for Tyson in the ring, he concluded: “I don’t think so.”
Mike Tyson’s controversial return to boxing ended in a one-sided defeat on Friday, with Youtuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul cruising to victory by unanimous decision against the heavyweight icon in Texas.
READ ALSO:
Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round.
Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 spot, draw 1-1 against Benin
Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, clinching their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benin, playing their matches in Côte d’Ivoire, took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohammed Tijani headed in a short corner.
The goal followed a period of sustained pressure from the Beninoise side on the Nigerian defence.
READ ALSO:
Benin nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to keep Nigeria in the game.
Osimhen threatened as the first half progressed, with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Benin came close again, but a shot veered inches wide of the right post, sparing the Eagles further trouble.
With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.
With this result, the Super Eagles top Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin hold second place with seven points.
BREAKING: Super Eagles qualify for AFCON 2025
Disaster averted as bird strike hits Abuja-Lagos Air Peace flight
Court orders varsity to pay lecturer N40m compensation for wrongful dismissal
South-West NURTW: Why we chose Oluomo over Baruwa
Apomu king turns warmonger for PDP
Ondo poll: Three gov candidates withdraw for Aiyedatiwa
Edo Gov Okpebholo freezes govt accounts, reverses ministry’s name
Late COAS Lagbaja gets CFR honour, buried amid tributes
