At the Balon d’Or award ceremony held in France, Super Eagles’ prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, claimed a remarkable eighth-place ranking among the world’s best players.
The Balon d’Or accolades are determined by players’ performances in the previous season, both at the club and international levels. Osimhen, with his stellar contributions, excelled in both categories during the preceding season.
The Super Eagles’ striker delivered an exceptional campaign for Napoli, where he notched an impressive 31 goals in 39 appearances.
Osimhen’s brilliance played a pivotal role in Napoli’s extraordinary achievement, securing their first Scudetto in 33 years and advancing to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League for the very first time in the club’s history.
Beyond his club endeavors, Osimhen was equally formidable in the colors of Nigeria, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, although he couldn’t help secure a World Cup ticket for his nation.
Acknowledging his incredible year, the 24-year-old striker received a nomination for the Balon d’Or award. In a dazzling ceremony, Osimhen’s exceptional achievements have culminated in his ranking as the eighth-best player in the world.
Notably, he is the sole African player within the prestigious top ten ranking, surpassing the likes of Mohammed Salah and Yassine Bounou, who are strong contenders for this year’s CAF Awards.
With this impressive achievement, Victor Osimhen has etched his name in history as the first Nigerian ever to secure a spot in the top ten of the Balon d’Or rankings, an accolade that underlines his remarkable contribution to football on the global stage.