9 Nigerians who have been nominated for Ballon D' or Award.

-
The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, and several Nigerian players have been recognized with nominations over the years. Here's a list of Nigerians who have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or:

The first set of Nigerian players to make history at the Ballon d’Or came in 1995, with Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and the legendary Austin Jay-Jay Okocha all bagging nominations

Their recognition not only spotlighted their exceptional talent but also paved the way for future generations of African footballers on the global stage.

1. **Nwankwo Kanu** - Known for his successful spells at clubs like Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, Kanu was nominated in 1996.

2. **Jay-Jay Okocha** - Famous for his skillful play, Okocha was nominated in 1995 during his time with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The first wave of Nigerian players to make history at the Ballon d’Or came in 199

The Ballon d’Or is the apex of individual achievement in football, awarded annually to the best male and female players in the world.

Since its inception in 1956, it has grown to symbolise the highest honour a footballer can attain, and only a select few Nigerian players have ever been recognised with a nomination.

Their recognition not only spotlighted their exceptional talent but also paved the way for future generations of African footballers on the global stage.

Nwankwo Kanu, one of Nigeria’s most iconic football figures, was nominated twice—first in 1996 during his tenure at Arsenal and again in 1999 while playing for Inter Milan.

In 1997, Victor Ikpeba got nominated while playing for AS Monaco, followed by Sunday Oliseh’s nomination in 1998 during his time with Juventus.

These early Nigerian nominees are regarded as some of Africa’s greatest footballing exports. Their careers at the top levels of European football and their numerous domestic and international trophies solidify their status as inspirations for young players across the continent.

Fast forward to 2023, a new milestone sprung up as Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala made history by becoming the first male and female Nigerian players to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or in the same year.

Osimhen’s nomination came on the heels of a stellar season with Napoli, where he netted 26 goals in Serie A, helping his team win the league. Oshoala’s nomination followed her triumphant performances for Barcelona, where she contributed to her team’s victory in both the Women’s Champions League and the Spanish league.

Their nominations brought to the limelight yet again the quality of Nigerian football and the recognition of African talent on the global stage.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Honorable Azeez Olaiya kicked start his councillorship campaign with a 3 aside football challenge and a novelty match.

-
Image
Honorable Olaiya Azeez recently launched his councillorship campaign in a dynamic and engaging way by organizing a three-aside football challenge competition, accompanied by a novelty match precisely  in Adigun street of Ijeshatedo area of Lagos state.  This event not only showcased his commitment to community engagement but also highlighted the importance of sports in bringing people together. The football challenge attracted local teams, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition among participants and spectators alike. Families and supporters gathered to cheer for their favorite teams, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Honorable Azeez emphasized that sports can serve as a powerful platform for promoting unity and collaboration within the community. In addition to the football challenge, the novelty match added an entertaining twist to the event. Featuring local celebrities and commun...
Read more

ONYEBUCHI UDENZEKA WAS KILLED BY UNKNOWN GUNMEN.

-
Image
Late Onyebuchi(china logo) Tragedy struck in the early hours of Tuesday, 4th of June 2024, when Onyebuchi Udenzeka fell victim to a heinous crime at the Ibiasoegbe junction in Amorka.  Reports brought to light by his elder brother, Udenzeka Obinna, reveal that Onyebuchi met his untimely demise on his way to pick up his brother, Chijioke Udenzeka, who had just returned from Lagos.  The call for justice reverberates loudly in the wake of this senseless act, as the community mourns the loss of a cherished life.
Read more

Celebrating Mr.Chidiebere Chijindu Arawusi's Birthday:C.E.O DONTEL COMMUNICATIONS. A Tribute to a Visionary Leader.

-
Image
Today, July 31, 2024, the world extend warmest birthday wishes to Mr.Chidiebere Chijindu Arawusi, the esteemed CEO of Dontel Communications. As we mark this special day, we celebrate not just another year in his remarkable life, but also his enduring impact on the world of communications. Under Mr. Chidiebere Arawusi's visionary leadership, Dontel Communications has soared to new heights, consistently setting benchmarks in the industry. His dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only propelled the company forward but have also inspired those around him. On this occasion, we reflect on the extraordinary achievements and milestones that Mr. Arawusi has reached. His ability to blend strategic insight with a deep understanding of the evolving communication landscape has shaped Dontel Communications into a trailblazer in its field. As we celebrate Mr. Arawusi's birthday, we also celebrate his leadershi...
Read more