Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, two iconic figures in Nigerian football, have been nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award. This remarkable achievement marks the first time in history that two Nigerian players have secured nominations for this illustrious accolade in the same year.

Osimhen’s Remarkable Journey:

Victor Osimhen‘s nomination comes as no surprise after a phenomenal season with Napoli. The young Nigerian sensation was instrumental in powering Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades. Osimhen’s dazzling skills and incredible goal-scoring prowess saw him finish as the highest goal-scorer in Italy, netting an astounding 26 goals. Notably, this achievement etched his name in the annals of history, as no African player had ever achieved this feat before.

Osimhen has shown no signs of slowing down, as he has started the new season in Italy with a bang, already notching up three goals in as many games. His contributions extend beyond the club scene, as he has equally shone brightly while representing Nigeria, earning him a national honor from the Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

Nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or @victorosimhen9 @sscnapoli @NGSuperEagles #ballondor pic.twitter.com/FkDOlclDE2

— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) September 6, 2023

Osimhen has been a beacon of hope and a goal-scoring machine for the Super Eagles, playing a pivotal role in helping Nigeria qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare. He has also claimed the title of top scorer in the qualifying series, emphasizing his indispensable role in the campaign.

The list of nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or reads like a who’s who of footballing legends, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and the emerging star Bukayo Saka, among others.

Oshoala’s Heroic Feats:

Asisat Oshoala‘s nomination is equally monumental, reflecting her incredible form with Barcelona Femeni. Last season, she played an integral part in helping Barcelona Femeni achieve a historic treble, with the pinnacle being the UEFA Women’s Champions League victory.

Nominated for the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or @AsisatOshoala @FCBfemeni @NGSuper_Falcons #ballondor pic.twitter.com/zpq2leUb45

— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@ballondor) September 6, 2023

Oshoala’s incredible scoring record of 21 goals in 28 appearances for Barcelona last season is a testament to her extraordinary talent. Her contributions extend beyond her club, as she has been a force to be reckoned with in the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team.

Despite battling injuries, Oshoala played a pivotal role in helping the Super Falcons advance to the Round of 16 in the last Women’s World Cup held in New Zealand and Australia. Her exceptional achievements have earned her a well-deserved place among the Ballon d’Or nominees.

Joining Oshoala in the nomination list for the Women’s Ballon d’Or are notable figures, including Women’s World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati, the competition’s Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa, and the Colombian teenage sensation Linda Caicedo.

🇳🇬 History in the making! Nigeria proudly leads the way as the first African nation with both female and male Ballon d'Or nominees. 🌟⚽🌟

Victor Osimhen 🇳🇬 & Asisat Oshoala 🇳🇬, you've made us proud! Congratulations and best of luck! 💪🇳🇬 #BallonDOr #NaijaProud #SuperEagles pic.twitter.com/UOfb4ws7di

— Bounce Sports (@bouncesports1) September 6, 2023

The nominations of Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala for the 2023 Ballon d’Or represent a historic moment for Nigerian football. These two exceptional athletes have not only made their mark on the global stage but also brought immense pride to Nigeria.