Ballon d’Or nomination thrills Osimhen, Oshoala

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.

The 28-year-old was the top scorer for Barcelona Femeni last season after she notched 26 goals (21 league goals and five in the Women’s Champions League) in all competitions.

Speaking about his nomination, Osimhen told Football Fans Tribe,” It feels good, glory be to God for this achievement. For me, it is a big milestone and a childhood dream. You know, being up there is amazing.

Osimhen also gave credit to his family and friends whose support has helped him to keep going, even during hard times, and even though the nomination is great, it is not as good as it gets for the prolific goalscorer.

“It’s an amazing feeling for me and I thank those who have been very supportive and helpful to me, and my family also, they stood by me through the hard times. This is just the beginning, we’ll keep working hard to achieve all my dreams.”

Oshoala, a five time African Women’s Player of the year was Barcelona’s top scorer with 26 goals (21 in the league and five in the Women’s Champions League) in all competitions last year.

She was also instrumental in Barcelona Femeni winning the league title and the Women’s Champions League last season.

“I’m very happy about the nomination and excited for what’s to come. I had a tough end to the season, but I think I worked last year and I’m really happy I was able to get on the nomination list again for another year of hard work,” Oshoala told The MTN Super Falcons Show.

Oshoala was also nominated for the prestigious Sócrates Ballon d’Or Award for her humanitarian contributions.