Sport
Four Nigerian Football Stars Nominated for 2024 FIFA Awards
A remarkable achievement has emerged for Nigerian football as four players have earned nominations for the prestigious Best FIFA Awards 2024.
The list includes Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Paul Onuachu, and Asisat Oshoala, each representing Nigeria in different categories, highlighting their exceptional performances over the past year.
Ademola Lookman, a standout player for Serie A side Atalanta, has been nominated in the Best Attacker category.
This recognition comes after a stellar season where Lookman demonstrated his remarkable goal-scoring ability and versatility on the field.
The 27-year-old was also ranked 14th in the Ballon d’Or standings, cementing his status as one of the top talents in world football.
Lookman’s impressive form has made him a favorite for the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, showcasing his dominance in African football and his continued rise to the top.
In another category, William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s stalwart center-back, has been nominated for the Best Defender award.
Troost-Ekong, known for his leadership at the back and crucial defensive contributions, was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
His remarkable performance during the tournament helped Nigeria secure a strong presence on the continental stage, and this nomination further acknowledges his consistency and importance to both club and country.
Meanwhile, forward Paul Onuachu, who is currently making waves with his remarkable goal-scoring abilities, is a contender for the highly coveted Puskas Award.
The Puskas Award recognizes the most stunning goal of the year, and Onuachu’s memorable strike against Konyaspor in the 2023-24 Turkish Super Lig has earned him a spot on the shortlist.
The goal, scored on November 10, 2023, while Onuachu was on loan at Trabzonspor, showcased his clinical finishing and ability to shine on the big stage, making it one of the standout moments of the year.
Finally, Asisat Oshoala, one of the finest players in women’s football and a key member of the Super Falcons, has been nominated for the inaugural FIFA Marta Award.
This newly introduced award recognizes the best goal scored by a female player, and Oshoala’s nomination speaks to her incredible skill and determination on the pitch.
Oshoala, who has continually raised the profile of Nigerian women’s football, remains a trailblazer for African women in the sport, and her presence on this list is a testament to her excellence in the game.
French football pundit Walid Acherchour has named Lamine Yamal as his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, sparking reactions among football fans.
Acherchour’s choice came as a surprise to some fans, who expected him to support fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé instead.
Speaking about his prediction, Acherchour expressed confidence in Yamal’s chances of winning the prestigious individual award.
“For me, Lamine Yamal, he is going to get it [2026 Ballon d’Or]. For me, there’s no doubt anymore,” Acherchour said, as quoted by Actu Foot. That start to the season shows that in fact, he was injured during the World Cup. He was the best player in La Liga, and he won the World Cup.
“Even if, for me, in fact, he doesn’t have the Ballon d’Or unanimously because his World Cup was average, even being average, he won it with Spain. He won La Liga with Barça.”
Former Manchester City player David Silva has shared his thoughts on the 2026 Ballon d’Or and revealed who he believes could win the prestigious award.
During a recent interview, the former midfielder was asked who he thinks will win the award, and he named Fabian Ruiz.
Silva’s choice sparked reactions from fans, especially as he did not mention Barcelona star Lamine Yamal as one of his picks.
“For me, teamwork is the most important thing, because without it you cannot win. If I had to give the Ballon d’Or to someone, it would be Fabian, because he has won the most titles in the last two years.
“He does not get enough recognition, I do not know why, because he is a wonderful player. I admire him a lot.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Portugal national team remains uncertain following his sudden departure from the squad ahead of the team’s Nations League match against Denmark.
The 41-year-old forward left the national team camp after he was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway and was informed that he would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo later said he would explain his decision to leave the camp at a later time.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has since said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return to the national team. Jesus said the decision ultimately rests with Ronaldo, while the Portuguese Football Federation has also described the situation as a misunderstanding.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances, and his next decision could determine how his international career ends.
Walid Acherchour Backs Lamine Yamal to Win 2026 Ballon d’Or
Zlatan Announces Wedding Date With Longtime Partner Davita
11 New K-Dramas To Add To Your Watch-list This October 2026
-
Entertainment16 hours agoBridgerton Announces Violet and Edmund Love Story Spin-Off
-
Entertainment16 hours agoMr Eazi Sparks Reactions With Comment About Expecting Twins
-
Entertainment16 hours agoFrom Men in Black to Aladdin: 10 Will Smith Movies
-
Entertainment16 hours ago10 Global Music Stars Who Became Famous At A Young Age
-
Entertainment16 hours ago11 New K-Dramas To Add To Your Watch-list This October 2026
-
Sport16 hours agoWalid Acherchour Backs Lamine Yamal to Win 2026 Ballon d’Or
-
Entertainment16 hours agoZlatan Announces Wedding Date With Longtime Partner Davita