Nigerian football stars Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have emerged as contenders for the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or awards, MySportDab reports.
This announcement, made on the official Ballon d’Or X handle, has set the stage for an exciting showdown in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Victor Osimhen, who made history as the first African to clinch the Serie A top scorer title, has been nominated alongside 29 other football luminaries.
His remarkable feat of netting an impressive 26 goals in 32 appearances played a pivotal role in Napoli’s triumphant Serie A campaign, securing their first league title since 1990.
Osimhen’s incredible talent places him in contention with global icons like Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne, among others.
The list also features the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Martin Odegaard, Luka Modric, Ilkay Gundogan, Vinicius Junior, and Robert Lewandowski, promising a fierce competition for the coveted award.
In the women’s category, Asisat Oshoala has earned her place among 29 formidable nominees.
Her contributions were instrumental in Barcelona’s triumph in the Spanish women’s league, where she impressively scored 21 goals in 28 matches.
Oshoala’s exceptional skills were not limited to the domestic stage, as she played a vital role in Barcelona’s victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Moreover, she showcased her prowess on the international stage, aiding Nigeria’s Super Falcons in reaching the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Football enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the crowning of the 2023 Ballon d’Or winners, both in the men’s and women’s categories.
The awards ceremony, set to take place in Paris, France on Monday, October 30, promises to be a momentous occasion, where the footballing world will celebrate the outstanding achievements of these remarkable athletes.
Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala’s nominations represent not only their individual brilliance but also the pride of Nigeria and African football on the global stage.
