Nigerian duo Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala are both delighted to have being nominated for the prestigous Ballon d’Or award in the men’s and women’s category, Punch Sports Extra reports.
Both players are part of the five African players vying to win one of the most prestigious awards in the football world since George Weah achieved this feat in 1995.
Other players from the continent shortlisted for the award are Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Cameroon’s Andre Onana and Yassine Bounou from Morocco
Osimhen earned a place on the men’s shortlist after scoring 31 goals last season for Napoli who clinched their first Italian league title in 33 years.
The 24-year-old also made history becoming the first African player to claim the prestigious Italian Serie A golden boot award, also known as the ‘Capocannoniere,’ edging out competition from Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez to land the coveted individual accolade.
He is also the leading scorer in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with seven goals.
Oshoala, on her part, is the only woman from the continent nominated in the female category. She has won the Confederation of African Footballer’s African Women’s Player of the Year award a stunning five times.
