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Nigeria's representation at the Ballon d'Or has grown in recent years, with Ademola Lookman becoming the latest Super Eagles star to earn high recognition.
The Ballon d'Or is football's most prestigious individual award, with an incredible list of winners, from the likes of Zinedine Zidane to record-winner Lionel Messi.
The organizers, France Football, have been honoring the world's best players since 1956.
There have been only been 9 Nigerian players ever nominated for the award, and this achievement is a testament to the country's rich footballing talent.
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19:34 - 29.10.2024
‘He wouldn’t be here if he didn’t have that whole group behind him’ — Atlanta boss advises Lookman to remain humble after Ballon d’Or exploits
Ademola Lookman became Atalanta's first-ever Ballon d'Or nominee but Gasperini wants the Super Eagles star to stay humble
Super Eagles and the Ballon d'Or
In 1995, Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha made history as the first Nigerian players to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or after a year of showcasing their skills at the 1994 World Cup and their respective clubs.
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The trio paved the way for the likes of Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997). Sunday Oliseh (1998), Asisat Oshoala (2022, 2023), Victor Osimhen (2023), and Ademola Lookman (2024)
Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading Nigeria's Ballon d'Or charge
Fast forward to today, and Nigerian players continue to make waves. Victor Osimhen's 8th-placed finish came as a result of a stellar year, leading Napoli to the Scudetto and securing the Golden Boot.
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Ademola Lookman's 14th-placed Ballon d'Or finish this year is thoroughly deserved, with some believing he should have been higher.
After enjoying a fine domestic campaign with Atalanta, Lookman single-handedly destroyed Bayer Leverkusen with a marvelous hat-trick in the Europa League final
As for Ballon d'Or 2025, Osimhen continues to perform at a high level with Galatasaray and Victor Boniface is on fire for Bayer Leverkusen with 8 goals in his first 11 games this season.
As long as Nigerian players continue to make waves, the country's first Ballon d'Or podium finish remains a possibility.
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