The former Super Eagles winger, Victor Ikpeba, pointed out in the early hours of Thursday that, Achraf Hakimi, a Moroccan defender deserved to be crowned the 2025 CAF Player of the Year.
’The Prince of Monaco’ made this known while he was justifying the reasons why Moroccan defender beat his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, to the prestigious award.
The Moroccan international defender Hakimi was named the winner of the prize on Wednesday night at a CAF event in Rabat, Morocco.
Where the 27-year-old right-back beat the Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen and alongside the Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah, to win the most coveted individual award in African football.
Also Read: Nnadozie Shines As Hakimi Is Crowned King Of Africa
Victor Ikpeba, who had won the award in the past, says that he believes Hakimi earned it due to his exploits with his club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last season.
”The Paris Saints Germain wingback won the Champions League, the Ligue1 and every available trophy, except for the FIFA Club World Cup, with PSG.”
“Meanwhile, the Nigerian international striker Osimhen, was nominated after he scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances for Galatasaray, helping them win a domestic double.”
Notwithstanding, while attributing his triumph to Hakimi’s brilliant season with PSG, Ikpeba said, “We are disappointed we are not going to the AFCON, but Victor has been outstanding with his passion and determination when he plays for the national team with no limits.”
The former Nigerian AFCON medalist added, “For the three players, I think Hakimi has been brilliant, won the Ligue 1, and he won everything with PSG. ”But I think for the beauty of football, he is a deserving winner.”
