By HEADLINENEWS.NEWS correspondent
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has listed Napoli striker Victor Osimhen becoming Africa’s best player of the year as part of his achievement as he marked one year in office.
Recall that Osimhen emerged as the 2023 African Footballer of the Year after beating Mohamed Salah and others, becoming the first Nigerian winner since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
Osimhen, 25, netted 26 goals as he helped Napoli to a surprise triumph in Serie A last season and was the leading scorer in Italy’s top division.
“It is a dream come true. I have to thank everybody who has helped me on this journey and all Africans who have helped to put me on the map despite my faults,” Osimhen said.
His compatriot, Asisat Oshoala, won for the sixth time the best female African player of the year. Her achievements with Barcelona and the Nigerian national women’s team speak for her.
Chiamaka Nnadozie was awarded the Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, and the Super Falcons were named the Women’s National Team of the Year off the back of an impressive showing at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the successes of the footballers and the team in 2023 have been recorded as part of the achievements of President Tinubu who marked his 365 days in office today, May 29, 2024.
Tinubu was sworn in as the fifth democratically elected president, since the return of democracy in 1999, following his victory in the keenly-contested 2023 presidential election.
Tinubu, 72, who contested on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, emerged victorious against his closest rivals, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP.
His victory was, however, greeted with mixed reactions, with allegations of electoral malpractice and a heated legal battle that followed.
Despite the controversy, Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, marked the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The past year has been characterised by significant political dynamics, with Tinubu’s administration navigating a complex landscape of expectations, challenges and diverse opinions on its performance and policies.
In a press release on his achievement titled One Year In Office: How Tinubu administration is building a better Nigeria, Tinubu, the president that the Ministry of Sports has achieved significant milestones aimed at enhancing sports development in Nigeria and elevating the country’s international sporting profile.
The release also noted that in Tinubu’s government, Nigerian athletes have excelled on the international stage, demonstrating their prowess in major events.
The release partly reads; “Grassroots sports development has been another significant focus, with efforts to identify and nurture young talent from various parts of the country, ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled athletes who can represent Nigeria in various sports disciplines both locally and internationally.
“Nigerian athletes have excelled on the international stage, demonstrating their prowess in major events such as the African Cup of Nations, the African Games, and the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas.
“The administration has prioritized preparing Team Nigeria for global competitions like the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, with strategic planning and resource allocation directed towards comprehensive training programs and enhanced facilities to ensure optimal performance.
“Notable achievements include the senior national football team, the Super Eagles, winning silver at the African Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, marking their first finals appearance and silver medal in 23 years.
“The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s female national team, qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024, ending a 16-year Olympic drought. At the African Games in Accra, Ghana, Nigeria placed 2nd. Additionally, Victor Osimhen was named African Footballer of the Year, the first Nigerian to receive the honor in 24 years. These accomplishments highlight Nigeria’s competitive spirit and commitment to excellence in sports.”
