Afrigather The Ballon d’Or is without doubt one of the most prestigious awards in soccer, given yearly to the most effective female and male gamers on the earth.
Since its inception in 1956, it has turn out to be an emblem of particular person excellence within the sport. A number of distinctive Nigerian gamers have been recognised with nominations over time, showcasing their expertise and contribution to the sport.
Listed here are the nominated Nigerians:
1. Finidi George (1995)
Finidi George made historical past as one of many first Nigerian gamers to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1995. Identified for his pace, talent, and crossing potential, George was a key participant for Ajax throughout their profitable Champions League marketing campaign, which earned him international recognition.
2. Daniel Amokachi (1995)
Daniel Amokachi, one other Nigerian soccer legend, additionally obtained a nomination in 1995. His highly effective ahead play and contributions to the Nigerian nationwide workforce and golf equipment like Everton and Besiktas made him considered one of Africa’s most revered strikers of the time.
3. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995)
Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, famed for his distinctive dribbling and aptitude, joined Finidi George and Daniel Amokachi as a nominee in 1995. Okocha’s creativity on the sector for golf equipment like Eintracht Frankfurt and later Bolton Wanderers left a long-lasting impression in Europe.
4. Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999)
Nwankwo Kanu stays considered one of Nigeria’s most iconic soccer figures, incomes two Ballon d’Or nominations in 1996 and 1999. His performances at Arsenal and Inter Milan, mixed together with his Olympic gold medal for Nigeria in 1996, solidified his place among the many greats.
5. Victor Ikpeba (1997)
Victor Ikpeba’s 1997 nomination got here after a stellar season with AS Monaco, the place his goal-scoring skills helped the workforce obtain nice success within the French league. He stays considered one of Nigeria’s most revered forwards in European soccer historical past.
6. Sunday Oliseh (1998)
Sunday Oliseh was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1998 throughout his time with Juventus. Identified for his management and midfield dominance, Oliseh was a key determine in Nigeria’s nationwide workforce, taking part in an important position of their 1996 Olympic triumph.
7. Asisat Oshoala (2022, 2023)
Asisat Oshoala turned the primary Nigerian feminine participant to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2022, and he or she adopted it up with one other nomination in 2023. Her success with FC Barcelona, the place she helped her workforce win the Ladies’s Champions League and Spanish League, made her one of many high gamers in girls’s soccer.
8. Victor Osimhen (2023)
Victor Osimhen’s unbelievable efficiency within the 2022-2023 season earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2023. His 26 objectives for Napoli helped them win the Serie A title, cementing his place as among the best strikers in Europe.
9. Ademola Lookman (2024)
In 2024, Ademola Lookman joined the elite checklist of Nigerian gamers nominated for the Ballon d’Or. His standout performances for Atalanta, together with a hat-trick within the Europa League closing, caught the eye of the worldwide soccer group, incomes him a spot on the celebrated checklist of 30 nominees.
