BREAKING: Nigeria’s Highest Ranked Footballer In The #BallonDor Is Victor #Osimhen—-Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has finished among the top ten best players in the world in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings.
During the 2022/2023 season, the Nigerian international led Napoli to the Scudetto for the first time in more than three decades.
He scored 26 league goals last season, netting a total of 31 goals in 39 matches in all competitions during the campaign.
He also helped the Partenopei reach the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League for the very first time in the club’s history, Infogol reports.
The former Lille of France striker was voted the Serie A best striker for the year, as he also won the Golden Boot.
On the international scene, Osimhen netted ten goals to help Nigeria secure qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
His efforts were rewarded with a Ballon d’Or nomination, and he finished in the top ten in the final rankings ahead of the likes of Karim Benzema and Mohamed Salah.
As of the time of filing this report, Ballon d’Or has named Sala in the 11th position as the world anticipates the top ten rankings.
Karim Benzema finished in 16th position, while Robert Lewandowski finished 12th.
The nominations of Osimhen and Oshoala are a testament to the rising standard of football in Nigeria. They are also a sign that African players are now being recognized for their talent on the world stage.
Full list of Nigerian players who have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or:
As of September 2023, there are 8 Nigerian football players who have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or. They are:
- Finidi George (1995)
- Daniel Amokachi (1995)
- Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995)
- Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999)
- Victor Ikpeba (1997)
- Sunday Oliseh (1998)
- Asisat Oshoala (2022, 2023)
- Victor Osimhen (2023)
