2023 brought several shades of exhilarating victories, heart-stopping comebacks, and moments that tip above and beyond the emotions felt during a football game. Several memories were etched on and off the field this year, and here is an invite to an emotional journey through the heart of African football this year. These extraordinary moments not only showcase the individual brilliance of a couple of players but also unveil the unparalleled emotion, unity, and resilience that makes football more than a game, a universal language that speaks to more than a billion souls. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride through African Football’s best moment in 2023
Fastest Hat-Trick In UEFA Club Competition
When Gift Orban drove a powerful left-footed drive from 25 yards out into the back of the opposition’s net just one minute into the game against İstanbul Başakşehir, the UEFA Europa Conference League hadn’t known what they were about to witness. The first goal led to two more goals within the first 3 minutes of the game, making history as the fastest hat-trick in the UEFA club competition.
These goals by the Nigerian had broken records set by Mohamed Salah in the UEFA Champions League (7 minutes in Liverpool’s 7-1 win against Rangers on the 12th of October 2022) and Patson Daka in the UEFA Europa League (10 minutes in Leicester’s 4-3 victory over Spartak Moskva on 20th of October 2021). Before that night in Turkey, the name Gift Orban was already on the lips of several journalists; the powerful 20-year-old Nigerian striker was already brewing up a storm in Belgium with Gent Fc, scoring goals aplenty in the Belgian pro league.
Osimhen’s Serie A Win
The Masked Marauder from Olusosun, posed a consistent threat to defenses throughout the Italian Serie A. As Napoli sought to break a 33-year Scudetto drought, the stage was set for Osimhen to etch his name into the annals of history. In a pivotal moment during the 52nd minute in the game against Udinese, the ball found its way to his foot in the 6-yard box after a scrappy corner kick. With a resounding thump, he kicked the ball into the net, marking the end of Napoli’s long wait for a league title. This defining moment transformed him into a local legend in Naples, with murals gracing the streets, commemorating his pivotal goals. Osimhen’s stellar performance throughout the season showcased his excellent football season in an impressive tally of 26 goals in 32 appearances. Undoubtedly, the man proved to be worth every coin invested in his transfer fee from Lille.
African Women referee at the FIFA Women’s World Cup
When 41-year-old Vincentia Amedome of Togo stood on the pitch at the FIFA Women’s World Cup to oversee the game between the Philippines and Switzerland, she became the first African Woman to do so.. She was also part of the trio of African Women to referee a match at the World Cup alongside Carine Fomo of Cameroon and Fanta Kone from Mali. The trio were amongst 12 Women in various roles, from central referees to assistant referees and video assistant referees appointed to play a part in the historic Women’s World Cup in Australia.
South Africa And Morocco Qualified For The Round Of 16 For The First Time At The World Cup.
The Bayana Bayana of South Africa and the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco proudly represented Africa among the four countries in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. In a thrilling match, South Africa secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a 3-2 victory over Italy, thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana—marking their historic first qualification to the World Cup knockout stage.
Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses also created history by reaching the last 16 of the tournament as debutants, defeating Colombia and to the surprise of many, eliminating Football powerhouse and Euro 2022 finalists, Germany. Anissa Lahmari was the heroine who scored in the stoppage time of the first 45 minutes. They accrued 6 points, matching Colombia’s group-topping performance.
First Footballer To Wear A Hijab In A Match
Moroccan Defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first ever football player to wear a hijab in the lineup for the Atlas Lionesses against South Korea, it sure did turn heads. It was a goosebump-inducing moment for Muslim football lovers. Before then, FIFA had sanctioned the use of head covers for religious reasons back in 2014, and what made the historic moment even better was Morocco’s win. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Morocco Benzina’s historic act broke barriers and stands as an inspiring symbol for girls worldwide. Her trailblazing move will now open doors for countless aspiring players who dream of playing football while proudly wearing their hijabs.
Asisat Oshoala’s Celebration At The World Cup
When Asisat Oshoala was through on goal to score Nigeria’s third goal against co-host Australia’s Matildas, she did not hesitate, she smashed the ball from a rather tight angle to take charge of the game r with her teammates. She had scored a fantastic goal and in celebration, Oshoala pulled off her jersey, just as Chloe Kelly had done when she scored the winning goal for England’s three lionesses against Germany in the women’s Euros final of 2022.
The goal and celebration were iconic statements made following criticism against her from football-loving Nigerians for not reproducing her best performances of the Fifa U20 World Cup. . Oshoala’s celebration not only reflected her confidence and skill as a striker but also showcased her joyful and charismatic personality on the field
Inaugural African Football League
Amid much anticipation, the African Football League kicked off, featuring eight of Africa’s top football teams. Among them were giants like Al Ahly, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Wydad Athletic Club, Enyimba, Tout Puissant Mazembe, Mamelodi Sundowns, Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, and Simba Sports Club. This league, a collaboration between CAF and FIFA, brought together football powerhouses across the continent.
In September 2023, the prize money for the inaugural season was unveiled, with a whopping $4,000,000 awarded to the winner, $3,000,000 for the runner-up, and $1,700,000 for each of the semi-finalists, as well as $1,000,000 for each of the quarter-finalists. The coveted title went to Mamelodi Sundowns, marking them as the inaugural winners of the competition.
Mali At The FIFA U17 World Cup
Mali was the face of Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, hosted in Indonesia. The Eagles clinched the bronze medal, outshining Argentina.
Ibrahim Diarra, the tournament’s second-highest goal-scorer with 5 goals and 4 assists, was a standout player in the tournament, he showcased his skill by securing a top-three finish for Mali, earning himself a Silver Boot award,
Against Argentina, he skillfully controlled a lofty pass from Sekou Kone and with precision, hit his strike into the bottom corner, solidifying Mali’s victory and securing the bronze medal.
Double Victory For Nigeria At The CAF Awards
Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala clinched the African Player of the Year awards in the male and female categories, respectively, capping off incredible seasons. Osimhen’s achievement made him the first Nigerian man in 24 years to secure the award since Kanu Nwankwo in 1999, while Oshoala celebrated her sixth African Player of the Year title. With these victories, both players highlighted the popular Nigerian saying, “Naija no dey carry last.”