Ayew, Ighalo and the Last 5 AFCON Golden Boot Winners As Emilio Nsue Eyes Award

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is entering its business end
• Emilio Nsue is poised to make history at the showpiece
• Sports Brief takes a look at the past five AFCON Golden Boot winners

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is proving to be an exhilarating tournament, captivating football fans and stakeholders alike.

As the competition advances towards its crucial stages, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling action, fuelled by the unexpected performances showcased by numerous teams so far.

Amidst the thrill experienced throughout the AFCON, a highly coveted accolade takes centre stage—the Golden Boot award. This prestigious prize adds an extra layer of anticipation and significance to the unfolding events of the tournament.

Currently, Equatorial Guinea's Emilio Nsue leads the scoring charts with five goals in his three appearances. The 34-year-old is on track to clinch the top scorer title, placing him among an elite group. In light of this, Sports Brief highlights the past five winners of the prestigious prize.

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Football

Vincent Aboubakar — Cameroon 2022

The 32-year-old was one of the standout stars of the 2023 edition of the tournament hosted in his native Cameroon.

With five goals during the course of the tournament, the forward was able to propel the Indomitable Lions to a third-place finish.

Jude Ighalo — Nigeria 2019

The 34-year-old had the continent’s best defences on string at the showpiece in Egypt. The marquee forward, who became the sixth Nigerian to win the Golden Boot at the AFCON, finished the tournament with five goals as the Super Eagles claimed the bronze medal.

Junior Kabananga — DR Congo 2017

The 34-year-old former Al-Nassr forward would claim the Golden Boot of the 2017 edition of the showpiece against all odds with three goals. While it's important to note that DR Congo had an outstanding group stage in the tournament in Gabon, they were regrettably eliminated in the quarterfinals by Ghana.

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Football

Andre Ayew — Ghana 2015

The Black Stars captain might not have had the dream AFCON he might have wished for. However, Ayew certainly etched his name into the annals of AFCON history.

The 34-year-old was crowned the top scorer of the 2015 tournament, netting three goals as Ghana progressed to the final, ultimately losing to Ivory Coast in a penalty shootout.

Emmanuel Emenike — Nigeria 2013

The ex-Fernabche forward secured the AFCON Golden Boot crown in 2013, making him the fifth Nigerian to achieve this honour. As Nigeria made their way to AFCON glory in South Africa, the industrious forward played a crucial role in guiding the Super Eagles to success in the tournament.

Ghana Journalist react following AFCON exit

In another report, Sports Brief stated that a Ghanaian football expert criticised the Black Stars for their disappointing performance at the AFCON.

Ghana experienced a last-minute collapse against the Mambas of Mozambique.

Goals from Geny Catamo and Atletico Madrid’s Renildo Mandava were sufficient to nullify the early brace from forward Jordan Ayew.