Victoria Mbangwa
Four Nigerian footballers, Asisat Oshoala, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, and Paul Onuachu have earned prestigious nominations for the FIFA Best Awards 2024, underscoring the country’s continued impact on the world’s footballing stage.
This year’s nominations come as no surprise to those who have witnessed the incredible performances of these players over the past season. The recognition serves as a testament to the individual brilliance of these athletes and the potential of Nigerian football as a whole.
The nominations, was announced by FIFA on Friday, highlight the players’ exceptional performances over the past year.
Asisat Oshoala, already a six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year and one of Africa’s finest footballers, has been shortlisted for the inaugural Marta Award. This new category, named after the legendary Brazilian forward Marta, honors the best goal in women’s football. Oshoala’s breathtaking acrobatic bicycle kick for Barcelona Femeni against Benfica in the UEFA Women’s Champions League was a moment that not only delighted football fans but also captivated the global audience with its beauty and precision.
In the men’s football sphere, Ademola Lookman has emerged as one of the most exciting talents of the past year. The Atalanta winger, who has dazzled fans in Italy’s Serie A and starred for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has earned a well-deserved nomination in the Best Attacker category for the FIFA Best XI. He faces stiff competition from some of the world’s most formidable forwards, including Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Junior. Lookman’s explosive pace, creativity, and crucial goals have been pivotal to Atalanta’s success in the Europa League, while his contributions were vital to Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the Africa Cup of Nations.
William Troost-Ekong’s nomination in the Best Defender category highlights his defensive prowess and leadership both at the club level and for the Super Eagles. As the stand-in captain of Nigeria’s national team, Troost-Ekong has been a cornerstone of his defense, providing stability and composure under pressure. The veteran centre-back is now up against top-tier defenders like William Saliba of Arsenal and Antonio Rüdiger of Real Madrid. His consistently solid performances in both domestic leagues and international competitions make him one of the standout defenders on the global stage.
Perhaps the most eye-catching of all the nominations is that of Paul Onuachu, who has been shortlisted for the Puskás Award for the best goal in men’s football. The towering striker’s stunning scorpion kick for Trabzonspor against Konyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig is still fresh in the memories of football fans worldwide. It was a goal that not only earned him international recognition but also became one of the most talked-about moments of the season. Onuachu’s inclusion in this category places him alongside some of the game’s greatest talents, further cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting goal scorers to watch.
The four nominations for the FIFA Best Awards 2024 serve as a powerful reminder of the growing influence of Nigerian football on the world stage. These players are not only showcasing their talents but are also pushing the boundaries of what African footballers can achieve globally. With the public vote open until December 10, the spotlight is firmly on these athletes, and Nigerian football fans are poised to support their stars as they vie for the sport’s most prestigious individual honors.
