Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala have ascended to the ranks of contenders for the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or awards.
This electrifying revelation, unveiled via the official Ballon d’Or X platform, has set the stage for a thrilling showdown in both the men’s and women’s categories, capturing the hearts of football enthusiasts worldwide.
Victor Osimhen, a trailblazing figure in African football, etched his name in history as the first African to claim the Serie A top scorer title.
His awe-inspiring achievement, punctuated by a remarkable tally of 26 goals in just 32 appearances, proved instrumental in Napoli’s triumphant Serie A campaign, securing their long-awaited league title since 1990.
Osimhen’s meteoric rise catapults him into a fierce competition alongside global football icons such as Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne.
The star-studded list further boasts luminaries like Antoine Griezmann, Martin Odegaard, Luka Modric, Ilkay Gundogan, Vinicius Junior, and Robert Lewandowski, promising an enthralling battle for the coveted Ballon d’Or accolade.
In the women’s category, Asisat Oshoala, a powerhouse in her own right, has secured her place among 29 formidable nominees.
Other News: “Adopt Our PHCs For Renovation” – Lagos Appeals To Corporates Organizations
Her invaluable contributions propelled Barcelona to glory in the Spanish women’s league, where she showcased her striking prowess with an impressive tally of 21 goals in just 28 appearances. Oshoala’s exceptional abilities transcended the domestic arena, as she played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s triumphant journey in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Furthermore, she exhibited her footballing finesse on the international stage, guiding Nigeria’s Super Falcons to a commendable round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.
The footballing world stands in eager anticipation of the crowning moments at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in the enchanting city of Paris, France, on Monday, October 30.
This grand event promises to be a historic celebration of the exceptional achievements of these two exceptional athletes. Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala’s nominations not only symbolize their individual brilliance but also shine a radiant spotlight on the pride of Nigeria and African football on the global stage.