The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in just two days, with the continent’s best footballing nations set to deliver a feast of excitement, skills and goals at the highest level. With several superstars set to participate at the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, we take a look at the four stars who could make a strong case for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award with a strong AFCO 2023 showing. Can Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen defend his crown, or will Mohamed Salah reclaim the award he last won in 2018? We will assess their chances below. **Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)** Osimhen is the reigning African Footballer of the Year; the first Nigerian to win the award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999. It was deserved recognition for a remarkable 2023, where he was pivotal as Napoli won their first Scudetto in 33 years. His 26 league goals also helped him become the first African player in history to win the Serie A Golden Boot. He was lethal for the Super Eagles too, scoring 10 goals in AFCON qualifying to move into 4th on the list of Nigeria’s all-time leading scorers with 20 goals in 27 games. Rashidi Yekini still tops the list with 37 goals, but Osimhen will surely have his sights set on breaking that longstanding record. While things have not gone to plan for Napoli this season, the 25-year-old is the club’s top scorer with 8 goals, despite missing six weeks with a hamstring injury. This is shaping up to be Osimhen’s last season in Italy, with rumours of a pre-agreement with Premier League giants Chelsea refusing to go away. There will certainly be other interested teams too since he fits the profile of striker that Arsenal and Manchester United currently lack. Osimhen leading Nigeria to glory in Cote d’Ivoire will not only solidify his legacy on the continent, but also put him in the frame to be crowned Africa’s best player in consecutive years. Enjoy the best odds by backing Osimhen to win the AFCON Golden Boot and lead the Super Eagles to glory in Cote d’Ivoire.
**Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool FC)** Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah knows all about being crowned Africa’s best, having won the award twice. His triumphs in 2017 and 2018 were testament to his incredible start to life at Anfield, where he has developed into one of the world’s best players. Salah hasn’t won the award since 2018 despite having some absolutely unbelievable seasons since then, and he will want to rectify that with a strong showing at AFCON. The 30-year-old is currently having a remarkable season for Liverpool, and his 24 goal contributions in 20 games have propelled Jurgen Klopp’s men to the top of the table. Having experienced the disappointment of losing in the final to Senegal on penalties in 2021, the Egyptian king is determined to guide the Pharaohs to victory and stake his claim as the best player on the continent once again. A Premier League trophy and an AFCON win will surely put the title in his hands. BetKing, Nigeria’s #1 online sports betting site has high odds for Salah and Egypt at AFCON.
**Sadio Mane (Senegal, Al-Nassr FC)** Sadio Mane is a two-time winner of the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award, with wins in 2019 and 2021. Despite moving to the lesser lights of the Saudi league, the ex-Liverpool man returns to AFCON as a crucial figure for the reigning champions in the quest to defend their crown. He will inspire and lead the Teranga Lions from the front and will be relied upon to provide the bulk of the inspiration. Moving to the Middle East has not slowed down Mane’s production though, as he still boasts an impressive 8 goals and 5 assists in 18 Saudi Pro League games. His partnership with the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo has been crucial in Al Nassr’s hunt for the league title. No defending champion has won AFCON since Egypt did so in 2008, and Mane will certainly be in the conversation for 2024 African Player of the Year if he can propel Senegal to glory in Cote d’Ivoire. Our bet prediction is for Mane to lead the Teranga Lions to victory in Cote d’Ivoire.
**Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris St-Germain)** You cannot talk about Morocco without mentioning PSG defender Achraf Hakimi. He is their star player; their most talented and consistent performer. At 25, he is the type of generational talent that can change the trajectory of a game from full-back. As a modern day full-back, Hakimi spends a large amount of his time in the offensive third trying to make things happen for club and country. He has 4 goals and 4 assists in 20 games for PSG this season, and if Morocco are to win their first AFCON trophy since 1976, he will certainly be one of the standout performers. His performances over the past 12 months earned him a second-place finish in the CAF Player of the Year voting for 2023, but an excellent showing for the Atlas Lions in Cote d’Ivoire will certainly make him a frontrunner for the award in 2024. Betking has the best betting offers, backed by high odds for Hakimi to lead Morocco to glory in Cote d’Ivoire.
**What do you think about this list? do you think we’ve left anyone out?** **Let us know in the comments and remember to visit the BetKing blog for unlimited access to the best betting tips backed by the best odds in Nigeria.** **[Sign up today](https://m.betking.com/account/registration) and start winning.**