President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, says he was not surprised by the nomination of Victor Osimhen, and Asisat Oshoala for the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or award in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
Speaking to sports journalists at the NFF’s secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, Gusau said both players deserved their nomination following their incredible performance for club and country in the last 12 months.
Osimhen, currently the leading scorer in the African Cup of Nations qualifying series with seven goals, becomes the first male Nigerian footballer to be shortlisted for the award in 24 years.
Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, was the last Nigerian footballer to be shortlisted for the award in 1999.
The 24-year-old made history as the first African to be crowned Serie Achampion last season after scoring 26 league goals to help Napoli win the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years.
Oshoala on her part, earned her consecutive nomination after a remarkable season in which she showcased her exceptional talent, scoring 29 goals and providing seven assists in 46 matches for Barcelona’s triumphant campaign, securing Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup titles.
“I’m not surprised by their nomination at all, they deserve it because they performed well for their club and the country. It will also encourage other Nigerian players everywhere to be pivotal for their Clubs and also for the National Team anytime they are on the international road,” Gusau said.
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