Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu has expressed his optimism that Victor Osimhen could become the next Nigerian to be crowned African Footballer of The Year if the Napoli striker continues to improve his game, Completesports reports.

Speaking after the World Heart Day walk in Abuja on Wednesday, Nwankwo Kanu who incedentally was the last Nigerian player to win the African Player of The Year award in 1999 after winning it earlier in 1996 says that the performance of Osimhen in the Italian Seria A is a clear indication that he can win the coveted award soon.

“Osimhen, if you ask me, is the best player in Italy and if any of the current crop of Nigerian players is going to win the African Player of The Year award, it has to be him. He is doing fantastically well in the Italian Serie A that it’s only a matter of time before he rules Africa,” Kanu said.

“He is the best player and top scorer in the Italian league now and if he maintains his form he will win the African Player of The Year award sooner than expected. There are other Nigerian players doing very well in Europe, but Osimhen is presently the best.”

Papilo, as Kanu is popularly known, also urged Osimhen not to get carried away by the accolades he has been getting, but continue working hard for both club and country, adding that the sky will be his limit if he continues to work hard.