Osimhen, Chukwueze Shortlisted for CAF Award

Lille Hitman Victor Osimhen and Villarreal whizkid Samuel Chukuweze have both been shortlisted by the African Football ruling body (CAF) for their traditional annual award.

The Confederation of African Football has officially made the announcement for the last five young talents in the race to become the 2019 Young African Footballer of the Year.

Samuel Chukwueze who was named the ninth best U-21 talent in the world few days ago had a tremendous 2019 by which he made his big break into the Villarreal senior squad from the junior cadet and was found guilty of putting elites defenders under serious pressure throughout the season and was also underlined as one of the best young players in the La Liga Santander.
Victor Osimhen on the other hand was handful in the colours of Royal Charleroi in the Belgian Jupiter League where he comfortably found the back of the opposing nets twenty times before making his move to French Ligue 1 side Lille OSC.

Both players were in the Nigerian squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations that took place in Egypt which saw the Super Eagles finish third.

Nigeria emerged as the only nation with two entries, while the remaining trio originate from Morocco, Senegal and Mali.

CAF revealed the list via social media today. Captioning the post with: The updated shortlist for Youth Player of the Year is not shy of talent! #CAFAwards2019.”

African Youth Player of the Year

1- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco & Borussia Dortmund)

2- Krépin Diatta (Senegal & Club Brugge)

3- Moussa Djenepo (Mali & Southampton)

4- Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria & Villarreal)

5- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria & Lille).

The 2019 best young player on the continent will be known at the Gala event on 7 January, Egypt.

By Olamide Oyetunji