The Ballon d’Or is one of football’s most coveted awards, celebrating the best individual players worldwide. Over time, Nigerian footballers have risen to prominence, and several have achieved the remarkable feat of being nominated for this prestigious honour.
Their nominations reflect the increasing influence of Nigerian football on the global scene and the exceptional talents these players bring to the game.
Starting with Finidi George’s 1995 nomination after a stellar season with Ajax, where he helped the team secure the UEFA Champions League and Eredivisie titles, Nigerian footballers have continued to shine.
Other key figures like Daniel Amokachi, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, and Kanu Nwankwo left lasting impressions on European football with their remarkable skills and contributions to club and country.
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Players like Victor Ikpeba, Sunday Oliseh and more recently, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman have also been recognised for their outstanding performances, cementing their places in world football history.
The latest to be nominated is Atlanta’s attacking winger who is among the current nominees for the prestigious award after contributing to immensely to the second place finish of Nigeria at the last AFCON in Cote d’ Ivoire and hitting a spectacular hit-track for Atlanta in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
This feature, therefore, explores in summary, the careers of these eight outstanding Nigerian football players who earned Ballon d’Or nominations, celebrating their achievements and contributions to both clubs they represented and the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles.
Finidi George, 1985
Finidi’s 1995 Ballon d’Or nomination was a milestone in Nigerian football, recognising his individual brilliance and signalling the rising influence of Nigerian players globally. His exceptional season with Ajax Amsterdam, where he contributed nine goals and 11 assists, was highlighted by the team’s UEFA Champions League and Eredivisie triumphs.
As a versatile winger, Finidi played a key role in Ajax’s success, securing five titles in 1995. Though he finished 21st in the Ballon d’Or standings, it marked the peak of his career and cemented his legacy in Nigerian football history.
Having retired from playing, Finidi is now serving the game as a coach. He had a brief stint as Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The former attacking winger with inch-perfect crosses is now the Technical Adviser of his home club, Rivers United.
Daniel Amokachi, 1995
Alongside Finidi George, Amokachi was another Nigerian star who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1995. Amokachi’s nomination came on the back of his performances with Everton, particularly in their FA Cup triumph, where he scored six goals during the competition.
However, despite his significant contributions, Amokachi was one of the 16 players who did not receive any votes. Nevertheless, his presence on the list was still a testament to his talent and achievements.
He is still involved with the game as a coach and pundit. His coaching career saw him working for the Super Eagles, Nasarawa United and Enyimba.
Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, 1995
In the same year, Okocha, another Nigerian football legend, was making waves in Europe. At the time, Okocha was playing for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga, where his flair, creativity, and technical brilliance stood out. Okocha scored seven goals and provided seven assists that season, though he did not receive any votes in the Ballon d’Or rankings, his performances were widely recognised. Okocha’s dribbling skills and ability to control the tempo of a game made him one of the most exciting players to watch, paving the way for future Nigerian stars.
Unlike his other colleagues, Okocha who made a shocking retirement from both club and international football in 2008, is not into coaching but serves as a pundit occasionally.
Kanu Nwankwo 1996, 1999
A year later, in 1996, another Nigerian, Kanu Nwankwo, earned a Ballon d’Or nomination. Kanu had just led Nigeria to Olympic gold at the Atlanta Games, cementing his status as one of Africa’s brightest young talents. He also scored 13 goals in 30 Eredivisie matches before moving to Inter Milan.
Kanu finished 11th in the 1996 Ballon d’Or rankings, becoming the top African player that year, ahead of the 1995 winner George Weah. Kanu remains the only Nigerian to have received two Ballon d’Or nominations, having been nominated again in 1999 after stellar performances with Arsenal. At just 20 years old then, Kanu also holds the distinction of being the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the award.
‘Papilo’ as he is fondly called by his fans across the globe, is currently serving his state as Chairman of Enyimba FC of Aba.
Victor Ikpeba, 1997
Ikpeba, another prominent Nigerian forward, made his mark in 1997. Known as the “Prince of Monaco,” Ikpeba enjoyed a memorable season with AS Monaco, helping the team win the Ligue 1 title. His efforts earned him two votes in the 1997 Ballon d’Or voting, making him the only African player to do so
that year. Ikpeba also won the African Footballer of the Year award in 1997, further highlighting his importance in Nigerian and African football.
Having retired from active football in 2005, the 1996 Olympics gold medalist is presently a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee and youth football ambassador. He also serves as a football pundit.
Sunday Oliseh, 1998
In 1998, Oliseh earned a Ballon d’Or nomination following an impressive season with Ajax and a standout performance at the World Cup in France. Oliseh was instrumental to Nigeria’s memorable World Cup run, scoring a stunning goal in their opening game against Spain. His dynamic midfield play, coupled with six goals and eight assists for Ajax that season, made him a key figure for both club and country. He received no votes but earned recognition.
Like his former teammates, Finidi and Amokachi, Oliseh has taken to coaching. He also had a brief stint with the Super Eagles as Technical Adviser under Amaju Pinnick who nicknamed him ‘Pep Guardiola of Africa.’
Victor Osimhen, 2023
More recently, in 2023, Osimhen became the first Nigerian in twenty-four years to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or. Osimhen had an outstanding season with Napoli, scoring 31 goals and leading the club to its first Serie A title in over three decades.
He finished 8th in the Ballon d’Or standings, the highest ranking ever for a Nigerian player as at this moment. Osimhen’s success in 2023 rekindled Nigeria’s presence in football’s highest individual honour.
Ademola Lookman, 2024
Considering his breath-taking performances for club and country, his eventual nomination for the Ballon d’Or Award didn’t come to anyone as a surprise.
He indeed had a remarkable season with both Atalanta and the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles.
Lookman’s standout performance came in the Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a historic victory. His heroics in the 2023 AFCON, where he played a key role in Nigeria’s deep run to the final, further solidified his status as one of Africa’s top talents.
Without a doubt, these eight Nigerian stars nominated for the Ballon d’Or are icons of the country’s excellence in world football. They are also role models inspiring future generations to reach greater heights on the global stage.
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