Nigerian football players nominated for 2024 FIFA best awards

Several Nigerian footballers have been nominated for the 2024 FIFA Best Awards, which were announced on Friday by the sport’s global governing body

Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta forward, is a contender in the Best Attacker category. His nomination comes after a stellar season in which he helped lead Atalanta to the Europa League title and contributed to Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He will compete against top players like Vinicius Junior, Bukayo Saka, and Lionel Messi.

William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s stand-in captain, has earned a spot in the Best Defender category. He is joined by notable defenders such as William Saliba and Antonio Rüdiger.

Asisat Oshoala, a multiple-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year, has been nominated for the newly introduced Marta Award, recognizing the best goal in women’s football. Oshoala made the shortlist for her acrobatic goal against Benfica in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Paul Onuachu has been nominated for the Puskas Award, which honors the best goal in men’s football. His nomination is based on his impressive flick for Trabzonspor against Konyaspor in November 2023.

Other prominent players like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe feature in the list of nominees for the men’s category, with voting open until December. Fans will be able to cast their votes for their favorite players via the FIFA website.

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