Victor Osimhen, the star striker for the Super Eagles, and Asisat Oshoala, the forward for the Super Falcons, have each received congratulations from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for being nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or honors.
Osimhen, who led Napoli FC to their first Italian league title in 33 years with 26 goals in the Serie A last season, also scored five goals as Napoli advanced to the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
With seven goals, he also has the most goals scored during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
“We are indeed very proud of the nominations of our players Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala for the Ballon d’Or. It is the first time that players from the same country are nominated for both male and female categories, and this makes us proud.
“It also underscores the stellar careers that both players have at the moment, and we pray that God will continue to take them from glory to glory.
“These nominations will also, no doubt, encourage other Nigerian players everywhere to be pivotal for their clubs and also for the National Team anytime they are on the international road,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said.
With numerous goals and assists over the past two seasons for Spanish club Barcelona Feminine, Oshoala has been a key player. She also scored a crucial goal for Nigeria against co-host Australia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Down Under.
Ada Peter
