AFRICA.Nigeria: The Senegalese International, and Bayern Munich forward, Sadio Mane has been crowned 2022 male African Footballer of the year.
Barcelona’s female team striker Asisat Oshoala has also won in the female category of the prestigious award.
The Awards ceremony which took place in Rabat, Morocco sees Mane winning the award for the second time after he won in 2019.
This is coming after the 30 years old Senegalese man spearheaded his team to their first African Cup of Nations title in Cameroon where they defeated Egypt four goals to two in the finals.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Mane said, he is excited, honoured and highly delighted to be the winner of this year’s award.
I am so grateful to my coaches, my club and national team colleagues and those friends who stood by me during difficult times, Mane added.
“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 said.
However, Mane defeated his former teammates Mohamed Salah of Egypt and fellow Senegal international and Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Similarly, the Nigerian Oshoala won the Women’s Player of the Year for a record fifth time, overtaking compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha.
Oshoala, 27, has won the best African female football for the following 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019.
Other Men’s Football Category Award Winners
- Club Player of the Year: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly/Egypt)
- Young Player of the Year: Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)
- Coach of the Year: Aliou Cisse (Senegal)
- National Team of the Year: Senegal
- Club of the Year: Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
- The goal of the Year: Pape Ousmane Sakho (Senegal, Simba/TAN).
Women Category
- Club Player of the Year: Evelyn Badu (Avaldsnes/Norway, Ghana)
- Young Player of the Year: Badu
- Coach of the Year: Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
- Club of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
However, the National Team of the Year award will be announced after the Cup of Nations final between Morocco and South Africa in Rabat on Saturday this week.
