Four prominent Nigerian footballers—Asisat Oshoala, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, and Paul Onuachu—have garnered recognition with nominations in various categories for the FIFA Best Awards 2024. The nominees were unveiled by FIFA on Friday, showcasing the remarkable performances exhibited by these athletes over the past year. This acknowledgment not only signifies their individual excellence but also highlights the rising prominence of Nigerian football on a global scale.
Asisat Oshoala, a distinguished forward, is nominated for the inaugural Marta Award, created to recognize the best goal in women’s football. Known for her remarkable skills, Oshoala’s stunning bicycle kick scored for Barcelona Femeni against Benfica during the UEFA Women’s Champions League sparked excitement among fans and has duly earned her a place on the shortlist. This nomination is a testament to Oshoala’s continued dominance in the game, as she has previously won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award six times, further cementing her status as one of the top players in women’s football.
Ademola Lookman has also made a significant impact this year, resulting in his nomination for the Best Attacker category in the FIFA Best XI. Having played impressively for both Atalanta and Nigeria’s national team, Lookman has captivated audiences worldwide with his skill set and ability to score pivotal goals. Competing against legendary figures such as Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Junior, Lookman’s nomination recognizes his crucial contributions to Atalanta’s success in the Europa League and Nigeria’s commendable progress to the Africa Cup of Nations final.
In addition, William Troost-Ekong, who serves as the stand-in captain for the Nigerian national team, has been shortlisted for the Best Defender in the FIFA Best XI. Troost-Ekong’s defensive prowess has consistently played a crucial role in his club and international matches. He will face competition from renowned defenders such as Arsenal’s William Saliba and Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger. Troost-Ekong’s nomination underscores his importance to his team’s defensive strategies and his ability to handle high-pressure situations on the field.
Additionally, striking sensation Paul Onuachu is in contention for the Puskás Award, which honors the best goal in men’s football. Onuachu dazzled fans with an incredible scorpion kick for Trabzonspor during their Turkish Super Lig clash against Konyaspor. This remarkable goal not only showcased Onuachu’s athleticism and technique but also resonated with football enthusiasts globally, rightfully earning him a nomination among this year’s top talents.
Fans are encouraged to participate in selecting the winners for the FIFA Best Awards, with voting available until December 10 on FIFA’s official website. The winners of categories including the FIFA Fan Award and the FIFA Fair Play Award will be determined through a combination of public votes and input from an expert panel. The engagement of fans in this voting process reinforces the community aspect of football and allows supporters to have a say in recognizing outstanding talent.
This year’s FIFA Best Awards celebrate an extraordinary chapter in Nigerian football, with these four stars representing the nation on an international stage. Their nominations not only reflect their personal achievements but also contribute to the growing legacy of Nigerian football, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike. With continued support from fans and the football community, these athletes are poised to make even more significant impacts in future tournaments and awards.
