In a historic moment for Nigerian football, Victor Osimhen, the dynamic striker of the Super Eagles, has soared to the eighth position in the prestigious Balon d’Or awards ceremony held in France, MySportDab reports.
Osimhen’s remarkable achievement is a testament to his outstanding performances in the previous season, both for his club and his national team.
The Balon d’Or rankings are established based on players’ exceptional contributions during the previous season. Victor Osimhen, with a standout campaign, checked all the boxes and shone brilliantly.
Donning the colors of Napoli, the 24-year-old striker netted an astounding 31 goals in 39 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Napoli’s triumphant return to Serie A glory after a 33-year drought.
Additionally, he guided the Italian giants to their first-ever quarterfinal in the UEFA Champions League, solidifying his status as one of the world’s premier talents.
Not confined to his club endeavors, Osimhen also showcased his brilliance on the international stage. His goal-scoring prowess was evident throughout the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, even though Nigeria narrowly missed securing a World Cup ticket.
His contributions to both club and country undeniably played a significant part in his ascent to the upper echelons of football excellence.
An extraordinary year earned Osimhen a well-deserved nomination for the coveted Balon d’Or award, and in the star-studded ceremony, he secured the eighth position in the world, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Osimhen is the lone African player in the top ten rankings, surpassing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Yassine Bounou, who are also contenders for this year’s CAF Awards.
This accolade is not just a personal milestone for Osimhen but a historic moment for Nigerian football as well. He becomes the first Nigerian ever to break into the top ten in the Balon d’Or rankings, marking a monumental achievement for both the player and his nation.
As the world takes notice of Victor Osimhen’s remarkable talent, the Super Eagles striker has undoubtedly etched his name into the annals of football history, and his journey to further greatness has only just begun.
