For decades, the Ballon d’Or has stood as football’s most prestigious individual prize, a global recognition reserved for the very best players in the game.

Naija News reports that while European and South American stars have traditionally dominated the award, several Nigerians have forced their way into the conversation, from the golden generation of the 1990s to the new wave led by Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala.

This year, Nigeria’s presence on the Ballon d’Or stage continues, with two fresh nominees ahead of the 69th ceremony scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Two Nigerians made history when the Ballon d’Or shortlist was unveiled on August 7, 2025:

• Chiamaka Nnadozie – shortlisted for the Women’s Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), making her the first African goalkeeper ever to earn a nomination in this category.
• Justine Madugu – nominated for the Women’s Best Coach (Johan Cruyff Trophy) after leading the Super Falcons to WAFCON glory and being named Best Coach of the Tournament.

Nigeria’s Historic Nominees

Nigeria’s Ballon d’Or story stretches back to the mid-1990s when the award was first opened to non-Europeans. Some of the highlights include:

1. Finidi George (1995, 21st place) – His Champions League triumph with Ajax earned him six votes.
2. Daniel Amokachi (1995, nominated) – Recognised for his FA Cup heroics with Everton.
3. Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha (1995, nominated) – Celebrated for his flair with Eintracht Frankfurt and Nigeria.
4. Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 11th; 1999, 23rd) – Nigeria’s Olympic hero finished 11th in 1996, one of the country’s best-ever showings at the time.
5. Victor Ikpeba (1997, 32nd) – Nicknamed the “Prince of Monaco,” Ikpeba earned two votes after a stellar Ligue 1 season.
6. Sunday Oliseh (1998, nominated) – Shortlisted after strong displays for Ajax and at the World Cup.
7. Asisat Oshoala (2022, 16th; 2023, 20th) – The first Nigerian woman to break into the Ballon d’Or Féminin shortlist with Barcelona Femeni.
8. Victor Osimhen (2023, 8th) – Made history by finishing 8th overall, the highest-ever placement for a Nigerian male, after leading Napoli to a Serie A title.
9. Ademola Lookman (2024, shortlisted) – Earned recognition after a Europa League final hat-trick for Atalanta and an impressive AFCON run.

For years, Kanu’s 11th-place finish in 1996 stood as the benchmark for Nigerian footballers until Osimhen shattered the record in 2023.

His top-eight finish ignited fresh belief that a Nigerian could one day win the coveted prize.

On the women’s side, Oshoala’s back-to-back nominations cemented Nigeria’s presence among the elite, though she has yet to break into the top 10.

Now, with Nnadozie’s historic nomination and Madugu’s coaching recognition, Nigeria’s footprint on football’s biggest individual stage continues to expand.

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