Villarreal winger, Samuel Chukwueze has been named the winner of the 2022/2023 LaLiga Santander African MVP Award
Chukwueze started the season as a peripheral figure at Villarreal, but the arrival of manager, Quique Setien saw a remarkable turnaround in his form.
The Nigeria international ended the season with 13 goals and 11 assists across all competitions.
The Super Eagle came out tops after thousands of fans and some of Africa’s top football journalists voted for LaLiga’s standout African star this season.
“I feel so happy to win this award,” said Chukwueze via Supersport.
“I’ve worked very hard this season, but I want to thank my teammates for making it possible. Without them this wouldn’t have been possible for me… and the coach [Quique Setién] too. When the coach believes in you, and gives you the confidence to play and enjoy yourself, it really motivates you.
Chukwueze edged Ghanaian forward Iñaki Williams, the record-breaking Athletic Club forward who scored 10 goals in 36 LaLiga Santander matches this season, to win the award.
Also in contention was last season’s inaugural LaLiga Santander African MVP Award Winner, Bounou, whose penalty shootout heroics against AS Roma led Sevilla FC to yet another UEFA Europa League title, their seventh and the Moroccan keeper’s second with the club.
More than 30,000 fans from all across the continent and 26 African football journalists voted for the LaLiga Santander African MVP – Chukwueze emerged as the winner.
One of Chukwueze’s standout performances this season saw him score two sensational goals in a 3-2 win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, which generated headlines worldwide.
In the 39th minute, Chukwueze displayed incredible skill on the edge of the box to score the equalizer.
The Amaokwe Ugba-born scored another stunning goal after he cut to his left and fired a curling shot to the top left corner in the 80th minute to give Villarreal the victory over Los Blancos.
Goal
