It’s 25 days left to the most prestigious award in sports history, and before you read any further, here’s a fun fact: the Ballon d’Or, often hailed as the pinnacle of individual football achievement, has only seen 9 Nigerian footballers on its nomination list since its inception in 1956. These players didn’t just dribble past defenders; they danced their way into the elite company of football royalty.
Let’s stroll down memory lane and meet the Nigerian stars who’ve proudly earned their Ballon d’Or nominations, each with their unique flair and unforgettable performances.
1. Finidi George (1995)
In 1995, Finidi George made history as the first Nigerian to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or. As a key player in Ajax’s dominant era, he played a starring role in their UEFA Champions League triumph, notching up five trophies in a single year. His precise crosses, electric pace, and versatility on the wing earned him six votes, cementing his place as one of the best Nigerian wingers of all time.
Finidi set the bar for Nigerian footballers and proved that African players could shine on Europe’s biggest stage.
Read: Ademola Lookman Nominated for 2024 Ballon d’Or Following Superb Season
2. Daniel Amokachi (1995)
What’s better than one Nigerian nomination in 1995? Two! Daniel “The Bull” Amokachi, known for his fearless and powerful style, joined Finidi in the Ballon d’Or race that year. Amokachi’s performances at Everton, particularly in their FA Cup victory, along with his international heroics for Nigeria, earned him his spot.
Fun fact: In the FA Cup semifinals, Amokachi famously substituted himself into the game and scored two vital goals—talk about taking matters into your own hands!
3. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995)
Nigerian football without Jay-Jay Okocha would be like pizza without cheese—unthinkable! The ultimate showman and dribbler, Okocha was also nominated in 1995 for his wizardry at Eintracht Frankfurt and his role in Nigeria’s AFCON success. Even though he didn’t get any votes, just watching Okocha was a vote for football itself.
That one time he left Oliver Kahn scratching his head after a mesmerizing solo goal against Karlsruher SC in 1993.
4. Nwankwo Kanu (1996 & 1999)
The first Nigerian to be nominated twice, Nwankwo “Papilo” Kanu is a true Ballon d’Or legend. His 1996 nomination came after leading Nigeria to Olympic gold in Atlanta, where his extra-time heroics against Brazil still echo in football folklore. Three years later, after a stellar move to Arsenal, Kanu was back on the Ballon d’Or list in 1999.
In 1996, Kanu finished 11th, the highest finish for any Nigerian until Victor Osimhen’s 2023 breakthrough.
5. Victor Ikpeba (1997)
Known as the “Prince of Monaco,” Victor Ikpeba had a royal year in 1997, leading AS Monaco to the Ligue 1 title. His dazzling displays earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination and the African Footballer of the Year title. His place in the top 30 came after a season in which he scored 13 league goals and became a household name in European football.
Ikpeba was a crucial part of Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic gold-winning team, cementing his status as a national hero.
Read: George Weah: The Only African ToWin The Ballon d’Or
6. Sunday Oliseh (1998)
Sunday Oliseh was the backbone of Nigeria’s midfield and one of the best African midfielders of the 90s. His nomination in 1998 came after his wonder goal against Spain at the World Cup and his leadership in Ajax’s domestic success. Though he didn’t receive any votes, Oliseh’s nomination alone was a testament to his influence on the game.
That rocket of a goal in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Spain in the 1998 World Cup remains one of the greatest moments in Nigerian football history.
7. Asisat Oshoala (2022 & 2023)
Asisat “Agba Baller” Oshoala is not just the queen of African football; she’s Nigeria’s pride and joy in the women’s game. Oshoala’s nominations in 2022 and 2023 were the ultimate recognition of her brilliance, particularly after she helped Barcelona win the Women’s Champions League and Spanish league titles.
Oshoala became the first Nigerian woman to be nominated twice for the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Her place in the top 20 (16th in 2022 and 20th in 2023) proves that Nigerian women are also a force to be reckoned with.
8. Victor Osimhen (2023)
Fast forward to 2023, and Victor Osimhen entered the history books by achieving the highest-ever finish for a Nigerian at the Ballon d’Or, ranking 8th! His 26 goals for Napoli led the team to their first Serie A title in 33 years. Osimhen’s lethal finishing and relentless work rate put him in the global spotlight.
With 24 votes, Osimhen leapfrogged all previous Nigerian nominees, making 2023 a historic year for Nigerian football.
9. Ademola Lookman (2024)
And the latest name to join this prestigious list? Ademola Lookman, who earned a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2024 after a sensational season with Atalanta. Lookman’s hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen was a standout moment, propelling him into the elite club of Nigerian Ballon d’Or nominees.
Lookman’s sharp dribbling, pace, and finishing have seen him rise through the ranks of European football, and his 2024 nomination solidifies his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest stars.
From Finidi to Lookman, these nine Nigerian stars have proven that talent, hard work, and passion can put you in the same conversation as football’s greatest legends. Whether they dribbled, passed, or struck their way onto the Ballon d’Or stage, each of these players has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. The question now is, who will be the next Nigerian to join this elite list? The future is bright!
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