Paul Onuachu has been nominated for the distinguished FIFA Puskás Award, celebrating essentially the most aesthetically pleasing purpose of the yr, Soccernet.ng studies.
The Southampton star enters the historical past books as the primary Nigerian participant to be shortlisted for the FIFA Greatest Purpose Award instituted in 2009.
His breathtaking flying backheel for Trabzonspor within the Turkish Süper Lig has earned a spot among the many elite nominees for the 2024 accolade.
The gorgeous strike got here within the eighty fifth minute of a tense league match.
With Enis Destan delivering a pinpoint cross from the left, Onuachu defied gravity, twisting mid-air to unleash an improvised backheel end that soared previous the helpless goalkeeper, securing a significant victory.
Now at Southampton, following a mortgage stint at Trabzonspor, Onuachu faces stiff competitors for the award.
Contenders embrace Alejandro Garnacho’s acrobatic overhead kick for Manchester United and Mohammed Kudus’ mesmerizing solo effort for West Ham in opposition to Freiburg.
Onuachu will not be the one Nigerian making waves at FIFA’s The Greatest Awards.
Atalanta BC ahead Ademola Lookman is a finalist for the Greatest Attacker award, whereas Al-Kholood’s William Troost-Ekong contends for Greatest Defender.
Each gamers had been instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations ultimate earlier this yr, scoring three targets every.
Troost-Ekong was named the Most Beneficial Participant of the event, and Lookman is tipped to say Africa’s Footballer of the 12 months crown.
The FIFA Puskás Award voting is now open, giving followers an opportunity to help Onuachu’s historic nomination.
