'He's doing fantastically well' - Arsenal invincible predicts Osimhen next Nigerian APOTY winner

Arsenal legend and member of the Invincibles team, Nwankwo Kanu has predicted that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is the next Nigerian player to win the prestigious African Footballer of the Year.

Super Eagles fans have waited more than 21 years for a Nigerian player to win the APOTY award, with Kanu the last Nigerian recipient of the award in 1999.

Since the start of the third millennium, retired Nigeria internationals Jay-Jay Okocha, Obi Mikel and Vincent Enyeama have had podium finishes without going home with the main prize.

Kanu, who is a multiple winner of the African Footballer of the Year, believes Osimhen has emerged as one of the favourites to take the coveted prize following his brilliant performances for club and country in 2021.

The former Lille striker has mustered 14 goals for Napoli in 2021 and has scored twice for the Super Eagles.

Asked to name the Nigerian player he thinks can win the APOTY, Kanu told reporters including allnigeriasoccer.com : "If I ask you, in Italy who is the best player there? (Victor Osimhen), he is doing fantastically well.

"If he keeps on doing it and keeps on doing it, definitely.

"We have other players who are doing well but I think for now, presently, he is the one on top".

Other Nigerian players who have won the African Footballer of the Year include Emmanuel Amunike and Victor Ikpeba.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel