RFI and France 24 revealed this Friday, May 19 the names of the three finalists for the Marc-Vivien Foé 2023 prize, which rewards the best African footballer who played in Ligue 1 during the 2022-2023 season. The Ivorian Seko Fofana, the Congolese Chancel Mbemba and the Nigerian Terem Moffi remain in contention after an initial selection of eleven players.
Will Seko Fofana imitate his compatriot Gervinho (2010-2011) and succeed himself? He is in any case in the race for the trophy alongside the Congolese Chancel Mbemba and the Nigerian Terem Moffi, when they were eleven to claim a place in the top three. The name of the winner will be announced on May 30 at 5:30 a.m. UT on RFI and on the rfi.fr and france24.com.
Presentation of the three finalists in alphabetical order
FOFANA Seko, midfielder (Ivory Coast / Lens)
Seko Fofana, captain and guide of RC Lens, is still having a successful season in the image of his club, a candidate for qualification for the Champions League. Recoverer, passer and scorer, the 27-year-old Ivorian is still decisive this season with the Sang et Or. Enough to keep his crown and achieve the double? Since the creation of the Marc-Vivien Foé prize, only his compatriot Gervhino has achieved the double. Another Elephant, Nicolas Pépé, won in 2019.
MBEMBA Chancel, defender (DR Congo/Marseille)
The Congolese arrived free of any contract in Marseille on July 15, 2022. Regular defender, eye-catching, technical and scorer in addition, Chancel Mbemba is undoubtedly, with the Chilean Alexis Sanchez, the best player of OM this season. At 28, will he be the second Sacred Leopard after Gaël Kakuta in 2021? Since the creation of this trophy, no defender has managed to obtain the majority of the votes of the jury. Will the former Porto player be the first?
MOFFI Terem, forward (Nigeria/Nice)
Moved from Lorient to Nice during the season, the 23-year-old Super Eagle certainly needed time to adapt, but did not lose his effectiveness in front of goal. Nice intends to make the Nigerian one of the gondola heads for its national and European ambitions; that’s good, Moffi, who started his professional career in Lithuania, is ready to take the big step. The former centre-forward from Kortrijk, Belgium, has entertained his supporters many times this season. The last Nigerian player to win the Marc-Vivien Foé award is none other than Victor Osimhen, in 2020.