Osimhen vs Salah: The Deadly Duo Aiming to Tear Up AFCON 2023

Nigeria's Victor Osimhen has been tipped as a potential replacement for Mohammed Salah at Liverpool | Imago

Osimhen vs Salah: The Deadly Duo Aiming to Tear Up AFCON 2023

Ayoola Kelechi 17:15 - 30.12.2023

Two of the best players on the continent will get to strut their stuff at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, but who will come out on top between Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah

The African football landscape is set to witness an exhilarating showcase of talent in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Nigeria's Victor Osimhen and Egypt's Mohamed Salah at the forefront. 

Victor Osimhen: Nigeria's Striking Sensation

Top Scorer in AFCON Qualifiers: Osimhen emerged as the top scorer in the 2023 AFCON qualifying series, netting an impressive 10 goals in six games, including a hat-trick against Sao Tome and Principe​​​​.

Award-Winning Season: The Napoli striker was not only pivotal in leading his club to the Serie A title but also finished as the highest-ranked African in the 2023 Ballon d'Or rankings, placed eighth​​.

Victor Osimhen, at 24, Wins CAF Awards After 24 Years since Kanu. (Photo Credit: CAF/X)
Victor Osimhen, at 24, Wins CAF Awards After 24 Years since Kanu. (Photo Credit: CAF/X)

CAF Player of the Year Contender: Osimhen's stellar performances have earned him a nomination for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award, vying against the likes of Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi​​.

Mohamed Salah: Egypt's Pride and Liverpool's Prodigy

Salah, playing for Liverpool, is valued at €65 million and ranks second among Africa's most valuable players, just behind Osimhen​​.

Mohamed Salah – A Dynamic Force at Liverpool (Credit: Imago)
Mohamed Salah – A Dynamic Force at Liverpool (Credit: Imago)

Ballon d'Or Nomination: Like Osimhen, Salah was also nominated for the 2023 Ballon d'Or, showcasing his consistent excellence on the international stage​​.

In 2023, Salah scored 26 goals for Liverpool across all competitions and has been a crucial figure for Egypt's national team​​.

AFCON 2023: A Stage for Rivalry and Glory

Nigeria's High Expectations: With Osimhen's leadership, Nigeria is eyeing glory in Ivory Coast, ending a 10-year wait for the AFCON title​​.

AFCON Africa Cup Of Nations Cameron 2021 (10) Mohamed Salah (C) and team Egypt action before receives his silver medal from Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final
AFCON Africa Cup Of Nations Cameron 2021 (10) Mohamed Salah (C) and team Egypt action before receives his silver medal from Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final

Egypt's Quest for Dominance: Egypt, led by Salah, holds the record for the most AFCON titles and is eager to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of African football​​.

Teams to Watch: Apart from Nigeria and Egypt, teams like Senegal, Morocco, and Ghana are also strong contenders, each with their own narratives of aspiration and redemption​​.

Victor Osimhen is up for the FIFA The Best Award
Nigeria Super Eagles main man Victor Osimhen (Photo Credit: CAF/X)

The 2023 AFCON promises to be a tournament filled with drama, skill, and the clash of titans, as Osimhen and Salah, among other African football giants, gear up to leave their mark on the continent's most prestigious football stage.

How Osimhen and Salah will Tear Up AFCON

Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah are set to be central figures in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), each leading their respective teams with a mix of skill, experience, and leadership.

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Osimhen, representing Nigeria, finished as the top scorer in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers with 10 goals, showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring ability. His playing style, characterized by speed, strength, and clinical finishing, makes him a significant offensive threat. Beyond scoring, his ability to uplift the team's morale and create opportunities for his teammates underlines his importance to Nigeria's campaign​​​​.

Salah, playing for Egypt, is valued at €65 million, reflecting his impact on the field. His experience in top European leagues combines with his skill set, making him a formidable opponent. Salah's leadership qualities are crucial for Egypt, especially in high-pressure situations. His adaptability to different playing styles and tactics adds to his versatility as a player, capable of breaking down defenses through individual brilliance or teamwork​​​​.

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The presence of Osimhen and Salah at AFCON 2023 elevates the tournament's competitiveness and showcases the rich footballing talent in Africa. Both players are capable of producing game-changing moments, and their performances will be key in their teams' strategies. The way they are utilized and how opponents plan to counter them will be significant tactical aspects of the tournament.

Their participation not only promises thrilling football but also highlights the impact of African players on the global stage. Osimhen and Salah, with their unique strengths and styles, are expected to be pivotal in their teams' quests for glory and will add an extra layer of excitement to AFCON 2023, making it a highly anticipated event for football enthusiasts around the world.

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