The Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual prize, often dominated by European and South American stars. Yet over the years, several Nigerians have broken through, earning nominations and sometimes finishing high on the list.
From Finidi George in the 1990s to Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala in recent years, these players have carried Nigeria’s football reputation onto the global stage.
The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Nominees for this year’s awards were announced on August 7, with Nigeria once again making history.
Nigerian nominees in 2025
- Chiamaka Nnadozie – Nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper). She is the first African goalkeeper to earn a nomination in this category.
- Justine Madugu – Nominated for the Women’s Best Coach (Johan Cruyff Trophy) after guiding the Super Falcons to WAFCON victory and being named Best Coach of the Tournament.
Nigerians in Ballon d’Or history
- Finidi George – 1995 (21st place)
A Champions League winner with Ajax, Finidi earned six votes, becoming one of Nigeria’s first recognised global stars. - Daniel Amokachi – 1995 (nominated)
Gained attention for his FA Cup heroics with Everton, though he did not collect votes. - Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha – 1995 (nominated)
His flair with Eintracht Frankfurt and Nigeria earned him a place on the shortlist, though without votes. - Nwankwo Kanu – 1996 (11th), 1999 (23rd)
After winning Olympic gold and shining for Inter Milan, Kanu finished 11th in 1996, one of Nigeria’s best results until Osimhen. - Victor Ikpeba – 1997 (32nd place)
Nicknamed the “Prince of Monaco,” he was rewarded for his strong Ligue 1 campaign with two votes. - Sunday Oliseh – 1998 (nominated)
Shortlisted for his leadership at Ajax and Nigeria’s 1998 World Cup campaign. - Asisat Oshoala – 2022 (16th), 2023 (20th)
The first Nigerian woman nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin, thanks to her success with Barcelona Femeni. - Victor Osimhen – 2023 (8th place)
Fired Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, winning the Golden Boot and achieving Nigeria’s highest-ever Ballon d’Or ranking. - Ademola Lookman – 2024 (shortlist)
Earned recognition after scoring a Europa League final hat-trick for Atalanta and shining at AFCON with Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Ballon d’Or journey
For years, Kanu’s 11th place in 1996 was the nation’s best finish. That record was broken by Osimhen in 2023, who climbed to 8th, raising hopes that a Nigerian might one day win the award. With talents like Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, and Lookman leading a new generation, Nigeria’s presence on the world stage continues to grow.
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