The PAOK defender was outstanding throughout the tournament as he marshaled the meanest defence that only conceded two goals leading up to the Final.
He scored three goals including the opening goal in the AFCON Final.
It was a well deserved award.
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Emilio Nsue of Equatorial Guinea scooped the Golden Boot after scoring five goals.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles received $4million as beaten finalist at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations which climaxed with Côte d’Ivoire as champions last night in Abidjan.
The Elephants were rewarded with $7million as champions by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Super Eagles players would have been been $87,500 (more than 130 Million Naira) richer in match bonuses if they had won the 2023 AFCON Final against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Each player would have received $30,000 as win-bonus if they had beaten Cote d’Ivoire to record Nigeria’s fourth AFCON title.
They each received $15,000 for beating South Africa in the semifinal.
For getting past both the group stage and Round of 16, they got $30,000 each and another $12,500 each for going past Angola in the quarterfinal.
(Thisday)