Nigerian football strikers, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have been nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award in the men’s and women’s categories, as announced on its official X handle, on Wednesday, 6th September 2023.
The awards ceremony is set to take place in Paris, France on Monday, 30th October 2023.
The ‘Ballon d’Or Award’ is an annual football award for the best player over the previous year.
The award was first presented by the French news magazine, France Football in 1956, later it became for both France and FIFA.
The Napoli striker was in impeccable form last season, helping the Italian side win their first Scudetto in 33 years.
He is the first Nigerian to be nominated for the prize in 24 years after Kanu Nwankwo earned that feat.
Osimhen’s credibility and talent have placed him shortlisted alongside 29 other football luminaries.
Global icons like Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne, among others.
In the women’s category, striker Oshoala has earned her place among 29 formidable nominees.
Her contributions were instrumental in Barcelona’s triumph in the Spanish women’s league, where she impressively scored 21 goals in 28 matches.
Oshoala’s exceptional skills were not limited to the domestic stage.
She played a vital role in Barcelona’s victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Oshoala also showcased her prowess on the international stage, helping Nigeria’s Super Falcons reach the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Nigerian strikers, Osimhen and Oshoala nominations, represent not only their pride but also the pride of Nigeria and African football on the global stage.
Story: Ezekiel Kefas