It's interesting to see Nigerian stars: Victor Osimhen and Assisat Oshoala ranked highest among African footballers at this edition of Ballon d'Or 2023.
Ballon d'O is perhaps, the most prestigious football award in the world today and plays a catalyst role to other awards like FIFA Best, CAF African Player of the year Award, UEFA Player of the Year Award etc. And to find two Nigerian stars well ranked at this year's edition, is worth celebrating. Find below how these two Nigerian players are ranked.
Victor Osimhen made history as the first Napoli player to make the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or rankings and also the best African player ranked for 2023 edition. In the final top 30 ranking unveiled by France Football, Manchester United goalkeeper: Andre Onana finished in 23rd position, Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah occupied 11th position, while Osimhen finished in 8th place.
The Nigeria international significantly contributed to Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years becoming the 2022-23 top-scorer in the league with 26 goals in 32 appearances. Napoli also reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season, the best result for the Partenopei in Europe’s elite competition.
Osimhen netted five times in six Champions League games last season and individual achievements, combined with Napoli’s results have allowed the 24-year-old to earn a spot in the top 10 of this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Super Falcons and Barcelona Femeni striker, Asisat Oshoala was ranked 20th best women player in the world at the 2023 Ballon d’Or, being the only African woman that made final top 30 best women ranking for the award.
The five-time African Player of The Year was one of the Barcelona Femini players that made the ranking.
Oshoala enjoyed immense success with her club side and was part of a Nigerian team that went close to making history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
She won the league and Champions League with Barcelona and reached the Round of 16 of the World Cup with the Super Falcons, who were unbeaten in regular play.
The Lagos born striker also had a remarkable individual season despite injury trouble, scoring 21 goals in the league and five in the Champions League.
