Nigeria’s Victor Moses has been named Goal Africa Player of the Year for 2017. He won the award ahead of Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Guinean Naby Keita, Sadio Mane of Senegal and Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah.
The top football site explained why Moses was picked for the award.
According to Goal, “Moses enjoyed a remarkable transformation during the 2016-17 season, winning over the doubters and earning his place at Chelsea despite appearing destined for the exit door.
“He was introduced into the starting lineup in late 2016 in an unfamiliar wing-back role after Antonio Conte saw in the former Crystal Palace attacker a key solution to a problem position.
“Throughout early 2017, Moses was a key figure for the Pensioners as they won the Premier League title, with the wideman only losing twice – against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United – before the FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal.
“After being dismissed in that match, Moses bounced back with the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Community Shield final at Wembley, before the Gunners went onto clinch the trophy on penalties.
“At international level, Moses, who also made the 11-man shortlist for Caf’s African Footballer of the Year award, played an influential role in Nigeria’s successful qualification for the 2018 World Cup.
“After some excellent performances in late 2016 – notably when he scored twice as Algeria were defeated 3-1 – Moses stole the show as Nigeria demolished Cameroon 4-0 to take a stranglehold on top spot in Group C.”
