Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen and Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala have been nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.
The list, announced by France Football Magazine, sees both players shortlisted alongside 29 players in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
Osimhen led Napoli to the Serie A title last season — the club’s first in 33 years. The Super Eagles striker also scored 25 league goals to become the league’s highest goalscorer, setting the record as the first African footballer to achieve the feat.
The 24-year-old also led his country to AFCON 2024 qualification where he is also the leading goalscorer in the series.
Oshoala, five-time African footballer of the year winner, became the first African player to score at three Women’s World Cups. She was also part of a Barcelona feminine side that clinched a treble of trophies including League title, Spanish Supercopa and Champions League.
She scored 21 league goals in 28 games last season. The 28-year-old is the only female representative from Africa for the second consecutive year.
Other notable nominees in the men’s category include Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
The winners of the award will be announced at a ceremony on October 30.