November 29, (THEWILL) – Four Nigerian footballers have secured prestigious nominations in the 2024 FIFA Best Awards, marking a significant moment for the nation’s football representation.
Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Asisat Oshoala, and Paul Onuachu have been recognised across various competitive categories, demonstrating the depth of Nigerian football talent on the global stage.
Lookman, currently playing for Atalanta in the Italian Serie A, has been nominated in the Best Attacker category alongside international stars like Vinicius Junior, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland.
His exceptional performance in helping Atalanta win the Europa League and guiding the Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations final has positioned him as a strong contender for the award.
Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s stand-in captain, has been nominated in the Best Defender category, competing against top defenders from leading European clubs.
Oshoala, a record-breaking CAF Women’s Player of the Year, has been shortlisted for the newly introduced Marta Award for her spectacular goal for Barcelona Femeni in the Women’s Champions League.
Meanwhile, Southampton forward, Onuachu earned a nomination for the Puskas Award for an impressive goal scored during a match in November 2023.
The FIFA Best Awards will feature voting from both fans and expert panels, with voting open on the FIFA website until December 2024.
The nominations span multiple categories, including men’s and women’s player awards, coaching recognitions, and special goal awards, reflecting the diverse talent across international football.
The announcement has generated significant excitement within the football community, with Nigerians especially pleased with Onuachu’s Puskas nomination.
The nominations also underscore the global impact of Nigerian footballers in contemporary international football.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
