Seunfunmi Joshua
Nigeria, a nation with a rich footballing heritage, has produced some of the most gifted footballers the world has ever seen. Over the decades, Nigerian players have not only dazzled on domestic and international stages but have also earned recognition at the highest levels of football.
Among the many accolades a footballer can aspire to win, the Ballon d’Or stands at the pinnacle. A symbol of being the best in the world. While no Nigerian has won the prestigious award, several have been nominated, marking their place in football history.
Here’s a look at the Nigerian legends who have made the Ballon d’Or shortlist:
- Nwankwo Kanu – The Maestro
When discussing Nigerian football greats, Nwankwo Kanu inevitably tops the list. Known for his exceptional technical skills, vision, and calm demeanor on the pitch, Kanu was a player who could change the course of a game with a single moment of brilliance. His career took him across some of the most illustrious clubs in Europe, including Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal.
Kanu’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or came in 1996, a year that saw him lead Nigeria to Olympic gold in Atlanta, defeating football powerhouses like Brazil and Argentina.
His remarkable performances on the international stage and his success with Ajax, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 1995, earned him this nomination. Although he didn’t win the award, his inclusion among the nominees solidified his status as one of Africa’s greatest players.
- Rashidi Yekini – The Goal Machine
Rashidi Yekini was a player who lived for goals. His powerful presence and clinical finishing made him one of the most feared strikers of his generation. Yekini’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or in 1993 was a testament to his incredible scoring record for both club and country.
That year, Yekini played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s qualification for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, held in the United States in 1994. His goal-scoring exploits in the qualifiers and his success in the Portuguese league with Vitória de Setúbal caught the attention of the football world. Although he did not clinch the award, Yekini’s legacy as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer remains intact, and his Ballon d’Or nomination is a reflection of his impact on the global stage.
- Jay-Jay Okocha – The Magician
So good he was named twice, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha was the embodiment of flair and creativity. His ability to weave through defenses with mesmerizing dribbles and his penchant for scoring spectacular goals made him a fan favorite wherever he played. Okocha’s influence extended beyond the pitch, inspiring the next generation of footballers worldwide.
Okocha’s Ballon d’Or nomination came in 1998, a year that saw him shine at the FIFA World Cup in France. Representing Nigeria in the tournament, Okocha displayed his full range of talents, earning admiration from fans and pundits alike.
His performances for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the Nigerian national team during that period were exceptional, cementing his place as one of the finest playmakers in football history.
- Sunday Oliseh – The Midfield General
Sunday Oliseh, known for his leadership and defensive prowess, was another Nigerian who received a Ballon d’Or nomination. A key figure in Nigeria’s midfield during the 1990s, Oliseh’s nomination in 1998 alongside Okocha was well-deserved. He was the engine room of the Super Eagles, providing stability and distributing the ball with precision.
Oliseh’s most memorable moment came in the 1998 World Cup, where he scored a thunderous goal against Spain, helping Nigeria secure a historic 3-2 victory. His performances for Borussia Dortmund and the national team were instrumental in his Ballon d’Or nomination. Though often overshadowed by more attacking players, Oliseh’s contribution to the game, especially in anchoring the midfield, was invaluable.
- Finidi George
Finidi George might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of Nigerian football legends, but his contribution to the game was immense. A right-winger with incredible pace and crossing ability, Finidi was a key part of Ajax’s golden generation in the mid-1990s. His consistent performances for the Dutch club, where he won multiple Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Champions League in 1995, earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination in 1995.
Finidi’s style of play was a blend of speed, intelligence, and technical skill. He was known for his ability to deliver pinpoint crosses, which made him an invaluable asset to both Ajax and the Nigerian national team. His nomination for the Ballon d’Or was a recognition of his vital role in one of the most successful teams of the 1990s.
- Victor Ikpeba
Victor Ikpeba, often referred to as the “Prince of Monaco,” was another Nigerian to be honored with a Ballon d’Or nomination. His most successful period came during his time with AS Monaco in the French Ligue 1, where his goal-scoring prowess helped the club secure the league title in 1997.
Ikpeba’s Ballon d’Or nomination came in 1997, a year after he was named African Footballer of the Year. His pace, finishing ability, and knack for being in the right place at the right time made him one of Africa’s top forwards in the 1990s. Although he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or, his nomination highlighted his impact on European football during his prime.
- Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen is one of Nigeria’s brightest football talents, making waves in European football with his incredible goal-scoring ability and athleticism. In 2023, he led Napoli to a historic Serie A title win, their first league title in 33 years since the playing days of the “King of Naples” Diego Maradona. His performances for Napoli in Serie A, where he has become a key player, have drawn attention from top clubs across Europe.
Osimhen’s potential to reach the heights of football greatness is undeniable, and he’s seen as a future contender for major individual accolades, including possibly a Ballon d’Or podium finish. His rise from the youth ranks in Nigeria to become one of Europe’s top strikers is a testament to his talent and determination.
- Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman is another exciting talent in Nigeria football, known for his pace, dribbling skills, and creativity on the wing. After representing England at youth levels, Lookman switched his international allegiance to Nigeria, adding depth and flair to the Super Eagles’ attacking options.
In 2023, Lookman was part of a dynamic frontline duo that led the Super Eagles to the AFCON final in Ivory Coast, losing out on the title to the host nation. Lookman played two other finals in 2023 including the Coppa Italia final, losing to Juventus 1–0, and the UEL final.
Lookman’s three goals against Bayer Leverkusen in the Uefa Europa League final made him only the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a European final, the last one being in 1975.
The Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, a well-deserved recognition for his outstanding performance in 2024.
Conclusion,
The nominations of these Nigerian players for the Ballon d’Or are more than just individual accolades; they are a testament to the country’s footballing heritage and the talent that has come out of Africa. These players have inspired millions, and their stories continue to motivate young footballers across the continent.
