Nigeria’s football pedigree has once again gained global recognition as three nationals secured nominations for the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards, scheduled to hold on Monday, September 22, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Victor Osimhen, who made history in 2023 by finishing 8th the highest ever placement for a Nigerian male footballer is back on the men’s shortlist after a stellar season with Napoli. Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, earned a groundbreaking spot on the Women’s Yashin Trophy list, becoming the first African goalkeeper to be nominated in that category. In addition, Justine Madugu, head coach of the Super Falcons, has been shortlisted for the Johan Cruyff Trophy for Women’s Best Coach, following her WAFCON victory and recognition as Best Coach of the Tournament.
The nominations, released on 7 August, highlight Nigeria’s growing influence in both men’s and women’s football.
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Football analysts say the recognition reflects the consistent performances of Nigerian players in Europe and on the global stage. “What Osimhen has done with Napoli and the Super Eagles is a statement that African strikers can compete at the very top,” said one European commentator. Another noted that Nnadozie’s achievement “rewrites the story of African goalkeepers in world football.”
Over the years, only a handful of Nigerians have made it onto the prestigious shortlist. Finidi George placed 21st in 1995 after his Champions League triumph with Ajax. That same year, Daniel Amokachi and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha were nominated, though they received no votes. Nwankwo Kanu came closest before Osimhen’s rise, finishing 11th in 1996 and 23rd in 1999. Other nominees include Victor Ikpeba in 1997, Sunday Oliseh in 1998, Asisat Oshoala in 2022 and 2023, and Ademola Lookman in 2024.
For women’s football, Oshoala’s back-to-back nominations signalled progress, but Nnadozie’s breakthrough as a goalkeeper has been described as “a landmark moment.”
