Super Eagles and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen has been crowned the Best Striker of the 2022/23 Serie A season, as announced by the Serie A on Friday.
The Nigerian forward beat off tough competition from Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan and Rafael Leao of AC Milan to secure the prestigious accolade.
Osimhen’s remarkable feat was a result of his outstanding performance throughout the season, where he netted an impressive 25 league goals.
This tally positioned him four goals ahead of his nearest rival, Martinez, with just one game remaining in the season. His remarkable contributions played a pivotal role in leading Napoli to their first Serie A crown since the 1989–1990 season, marking the club’s third domestic title after previous triumphs in 1987.
At only 24 years old, Osimhen is now on the verge of becoming the first African player to clinch the prestigious top scorer award in Serie A. Earlier in the season, he shattered George Weah’s long-standing record for the most goals scored by an African in Serie A when he notched his 47th goal.
However, Osimhen was not the sole Napoli player to bask in the limelight on Friday. His strike partner, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, was honored as the Serie A Player of the Season. The Georgian maestro exhibited exceptional prowess, contributing 12 goals and 10 assists in the league. In total, he delivered 14 strikes and 10 assists in 42 appearances throughout the campaign.
Napoli’s dominance extended to other categories, with Kim Min-Jae being recognized as the best defender of the season. The commanding presence of the South Korean center-back was instrumental in Napoli’s resolute backline that provided a solid foundation for their triumph.
Lazio’s Ivan Provedel emerged as the deserving recipient of the best goalkeeper prize, displaying outstanding shot-stopping abilities and consistent performances throughout the season.
Completing the list of honorees was Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, who earned the title of best midfielder
