The Nigerian on Monday beat close rivals, Mohammed Salah and Achraf Hakimi, to the prestigious award.
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Nigeria are without top marksman Victor Osimhen. However, his absence creates opportunities for a number of young guns to make hay at AFCON.
Osimhen, who was handed his first start for Partenopei, was denied the opportunities to wreak havoc.
Napoli announced the decision to dismiss Ancelotti an hour after he led the club to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 4-0 home win against Genk, ending a nine-match run in all competitions without victory.