Ballon d’Or Awards: All The Eight Nigerians Ever Nominated

Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshaola, two Nigerians, have been nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or awards. Let’s talk about all the Nigerians who have ever been nominated for this coveted honor as this is the first year the nation has nominations of different genders for the Ballon d’Or honours.
Over the years, several Nigerians have achieved inclusion in the thirty-person group of Ballon d’Or nominees.

In 1995, the year Liberia’s George Weah became the first African winner of the award, the first Nigerians that were nominated for it were Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George, and Jay Jay Okocha.

The events are covered in more detail below:

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Jay-Jay Okocha

While playing in Germany in 1995, he received a nomination. The Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt was the name of his club at the time. Even though he continued to play for the same club, he received no votes in both of the nominations the following year.

Finidi George

Finidi George earned a spot on the list for assisting Ajax in winning the UEFA Champions League. But he only received that. He was then a player for the Spanish team Real Betis. The same thing occurred in 1995.

Daniel Amokachi

Daniel Amokachi earned a spot among the 1995 Ballon d’Or nominees by assisting Everton in winning the FA Cup. After sharing twenty-first position with Franco Baresi, he will end his career without placing among the top five.

Nwankwo Kanu

In 1996 and 1999, while playing for Inter Milan and Arsenal, respectively, the Nigerian received two nominations. He is the only Nigerian to have advanced to position 11 of the Ballon d’Or standings. His achievement at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, where he helped his team win the gold medal, earned him first place.

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Ikpeba Victor

As the sole nominee from Nigeria in 1997, he received recognition for his nomination. But he was unable to go past the thirty-second spot. He did, however, win African Footballer of the Year that same year.

Sunday Oliseh

In 1998, Sunday Oliseh was the lone nominee from Nigeria. At the time, he played as a midfielder for Ajax Amsterdam and supported the Super Eagles at the recently finished FIFA World Cup in France.

 Asisat Oshoala

The forward for Barcelona was nominated both last year and this year. She is the only female from Africa on the list this year. She earned her spot among the nominees by excelling during the previous Champions League, Liga F, and FIFA World Cup. Despite the fact that she does not appear to be among the favorites to win, anything could yet happen.

Victor Osimhen

The Napoli player recently earned the Golden Boot. Even if he is not one of the top 10 favorites for the Ballon d’Or, anything could still happen.

TheHelenMedia would like to bring to your notice that the Ballon D’or awards are not given by the number of goals but the following criterias:

• Performance over the previous year, measured in terms of victories.
• The player’s conduct both on and off the field (including whether they should serve as role models in these situations).
• A succinct listing of the nominee’s career accomplishments