By Sedara Philip
Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen is among the nominees for the 2023 FIFA Men’s Ballon d’Or, Sportgister.com.ng reports
Osimhen is the first Nigerian to be nominated for the prestigious award since 1999 when Nwankwo Kanu made the nomination list.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a prolific campaign with Serie A champions, Napoli last season.
The striker scored 26 goals in 32 league appearances to help Napoli win the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years.
Osimhen also netted five times in the UEFA Champions League for the Partenopei.
He has also started the new season on a good note for Rudi Garcia’s side with three goals from three games.
In the related development,Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, has been nominated for the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or.
The 28-year-old has now been nominated for the second consecutive year.
Oshoala finished in 16th place last year.
Her Barcelona teammate, Alexia Putellas, won the award in 2022.
Oshoala played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s Spanish Iberdola and UEFA Women’s Champions League success last season.
The forward is the only African female player, who made the shortlist.
Oshoala has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award for a record five times.