NIGERIAN sensation Asisat Oshoala and Senegal’s Sadio Mane walked away on Thur
sday night with the Confederation of African Football’s two top honours by winning the Women and Men’s Player of the Year Awards, respectively.
For Mane, it marks the second time he’s won Men’s Player of the Year. He also accomplished the feat in 2019.
Oshoala won Women’s Player of the Year for a record fifth time, breaking a tie she held with fellow Nigerian, Perpertua Nwokocha.
The 27-year-old Nigeria and Barcelona forward was forced to miss the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco due to an injury, something she briefly alluded to in accepting the CAF honour.
‘The 2021-2022 season was really tough for me as an individual. I want to thank everyone who stood by me,’ she said. ‘This year made me realize that if you don’t fall, you don’t know the power of comeback.’
Mane thanked his national team players and coaches. He beat Mohamed Salah and Eduard Mendy in the men’s category to win the 2022 award.
‘I am really honoured and highly delighted to receive this award again. I dedicate this award to the youth of Senegal. I’m very emotional and don’t have the words to express how I’m feeling.’
Mane and Salah helped Liverpool capture the FA Cup and English League Cup. Liverpool also finished runners-up in the Premier League and Champions League.
Salah is still with the Reds after signing a new contract. Mane opted to move to Bayern Munich.
Full list of winners
Player of the Year (Women): Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Barcelona)
Player of the Year (Men): Sadio Mane (Senegal & Bayern Munich)
Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Evelyn Badu (Ghana & Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies/Avaldsnes)
Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt & Al Ahly)
Young Player of the Year (Women): Evelyn Badu (Ghana & Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies/Avaldsnes)
Young Player of the Year (Men): Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal & Tottenham Hotspur)
Coach of the Year (Women): Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
Coach of the Year (Men): Aliou Cisse (Senegal)
Club of the Year (Women
): Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Club of the Year (Men): Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco)
National Team of the Year (Men): Senegal
Goal of the Year: Pape Ousmane Sakho (Senegal/ Simba FC)
