- Nigeria international forward, Victor Osimhen has clinched a spot in the prestigious 2023 Ballon d'Or nomination list.
- Osimhen's stellar performance last season with Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in securing the club's first Serie A title in 33 years, raised his profile to new heights.
Osimhen's nomination is a historic moment, as he becomes the first Nigerian player to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or in over two decades, following in the footsteps of Kanu Nwankwo.
French Football, the award's organizing body, officially confirmed his inclusion on Wednesday night.
The Napoli striker netted an impressive 26 league goals last season, outshining the likes of Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan and AC Milan's Rafael Leao to claim the title of Best Striker in Serie A.
His contributions did not stop there, as he played an instrumental role in guiding Napoli to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Additionally, Osimhen scored a continent-high seven goals to help in securing Nigeria's spot in the postponed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a parallel development, Super Falcons and Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala has been named among the nominees for the women's category of the Ballon d'Or award.
This recognition follows her remarkable achievements, including a historic treble consisting of the Primera Division title, the Supercopa de Espana Femenina, and the Champions League while playing for Barcelona Femeni.
Oshoala's impressive domestic league performance, where she scored 21 goals, earned her the joint-top scorer title in Spain. She further showcased her talents on the global stage, participating in the round of 16 with the Super Falcons during the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
This back-to-back nomination solidifies her status as the first African woman to grace the Ballon d'Or nominee list in consecutive years.
