Osimhen, Okocha Among 8 Nigerian Superstars Who Have Earned Ballon d’Or Nomination
- Victor Osimhen is the latest Nigerian player to earn a Ballon d'Or nomination
- Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala is among those contending in the Women's category
- Jay Jay Okocha,Finidi George are among other players who have been recognised in the category as well
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Nigerian international Victor Osimhen, who led Napolito the Scudetto last season, has been nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or.
A list of 30 nominees was released on Wednesday, September 6, with Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen featuring in the men's category.
Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala made the list for the women's category as Nigeria became the first African country to have nominees in both female and male categories.
Osimhen and Oshoala are not the first Nigerians to be nominated for the prestigious award.
Below are 8 Nigerian superstars who have earned Ballon d'Or nominations.
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Football 1. Finidi George — 1995The former Real Betis winger was among the three Nigerians nominated for the Ballon d'Or award in 1995.
He earned his place on the list due to his performance with Ajax, after they won the UEFA Champions League.
2. Daniel Amokachi — 1995Just like Finidi, Amokachi also made the nominee list in 1995 after a good season with Premier League side Everton.
The Super Eagles' legend led the Toffees to the FA Cuptriumph that season.
3. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha 1995Okocha was the third Nigerian to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 1995 while playing for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga.
He was impressive for the club, where he made 90 league appearances, scoring 18 goals in four seasons.
4. Nwankwo Read on sportsbrief.com
