Nigerian football sensations Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have been nominated for the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or award, with both stars making history with their nominations.
Osimhen’s remarkable achievement places him among the elite few from his homeland to bask in the glory of such an accolade. The electrifying forward, plying his trade with Napoli, delivered a dazzling performance throughout the previous season, contributing significantly to his Italian squad’s historic conquest of their first Scudetto in a staggering 33 years.
Osimhen’s 2023 Ballon d’Or nomination, a rarity in itself, marks the first time in 24 years that a Nigerian player has graced this prestigious list. The last luminary to accomplish this remarkable nomination was none other than the legendary Kanu Nwankwo.
French Football, the esteemed organisers of this illustrious award, officially confirmed the inclusion of Osimhen in the 2023 Ballon d’Or list during a momentous announcement on Wednesday night, sending ripples of excitement throughout the footballing world.
Osimhen’s mesmerising display saw him net an impressive tally of 26 league goals last season, earning him the coveted title of the Best Striker in Serie A. But Osimhen’s influence didn’t stop there. He played a pivotal role in guiding his team to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals while also playing a crucial part in securing a spot for the Super Eagles in the long-awaited 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His outstanding performance in Serie A even saw him clinch the title of the league’s top scorer, shattering George Weah’s long-standing record for the most goals scored by an African player in the Italian league.
In another corner of the football world, compatriot Asisat Oshoala carved her own path to glory. The Barcelona Femeni star, a force to be reckoned with, was listed among the nominees for the women’s category of the 2023 Ballon d’Or, marking a consecutive appearance for her. Last year, she etched her name into the annals of history as the first African woman to earn such a nomination.
The remarkable journey of Oshoala included a historic treble, as she clinched the Primera Division title, the Supercopa de Espana Femenina, and the illustrious Champions League. Her goal-scoring prowess was on full display as she notched an impressive 21 goals in the domestic league, emerging as the joint-top scorer in Spain. Her exploits continued as she represented the Super Falcons during the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, solidifying her status as a true football icon.