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Nigerian Football Legends On the Ballon d’Or List: The Full Breakdown
The Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious awards in football, celebrates the best players from around the world each year. Since its inception in 1956, the award has come to symbolize excellence in the sport, recognizing players who showcase exceptional skill, talent, and influence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Originally limited to European players, the Ballon d’Or expanded in 1995 to include players from all over the globe, reflecting the international growth of football. Over the years, Nigerian footballers have made their mark with Ballon d’Or nominations, demonstrating their incredible contributions to the sport on the global stage.
Here’s a comprehensive list of Nigerian players who have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or over the years:
- Finidi George
Year: 1995
Details: Played for Ajax and played a key role in their Champions League triumph. He finished 21st in the voting. - Daniel Amokachi
Year: 1995
Details: Best known for his time at Everton, Amokachi was recognized for his contributions to both club and country, though he did not receive any votes. - Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha
Year: 1995
Details: Played for Eintracht Frankfurt; like Amokachi, Okocha did not receive any votes but was highly regarded for his skills. - Nwankwo Kanu
Years: 1996, 1999
Details: Nominated twice, Kanu finished 11th in 1996 after helping Nigeria win Olympic gold, and again in 1999 during his time at Arsenal. - Victor Ikpeba
Year: 1997
Details: Known as the “Prince of Monaco,” Ikpeba had a standout season, earning a nomination and finishing 32nd. - Sunday Oliseh
Year: 1998
Details: Recognized for his performances at Ajax and his famous goal against Spain in the World Cup, though he did not receive any votes. - Victor Osimhen
Year: 2023
Details: After an exceptional season with Napoli, where he scored 31 goals, Osimhen finished 8th, marking the highest-ever ranking for a Nigerian player. - Ademola Lookman
Year: 2024
Details: Nominated after a brilliant season with Atalanta, including a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final. - Asisat Oshoala
Years: 2022, 2023
Details: The first female Nigerian to receive two Ballon d’Or nominations, Oshoala was recognized for her stellar performances with Barcelona Femini.
These nominations highlight the significant achievements of Nigerian footballers on the world stage, with each player contributing to the country’s growing football legacy.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic breakthrough with the emergence of its first female pilot, Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, who recently earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The achievement was celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, marking a significant step in the agency’s drive to strengthen its aviation capacity for surveillance, logistics, and anti-smuggling operations.
At a ceremony attended by senior officers, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, described the development as a landmark moment for the service.
He said Balogun’s transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot represents a major breakthrough for the Customs aviation unit and highlights the agency’s commitment to professional growth and inclusivity.
He added that the milestone reflects expanding opportunities within the Service as it continues to integrate air assets into its enforcement and border monitoring operations.
Balogun expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that her journey required dedication and resilience, while pledging to apply her new skills in advancing the Customs mandate with professionalism and discipline.
The development has been widely described within the Service as an inspiration for greater female participation in technical and specialised roles.
latest
Osun 2026: APC Candidate Oyebamiji Pledges Inclusive Governance For Non-Indigenes, Interest Groups.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to ensure inclusive governance by integrating non-indigenes and various interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said his administration would operate a structured system that promotes participation and representation of all segments of society in governance.
The pledge was conveyed by a former lawmaker and ex-Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, after he represented the candidate at an engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area.
Oyintiloye said the plan is aimed at strengthening the link between government and grassroots communities, ensuring public policies reflect citizens’ real needs.
He added that all groups would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation to drive development in the state.
Oyebamiji also promised continued engagement with farmers, traders, artisans, and non-indigene communities as key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, leaders of the Arewa community commended past inclusion efforts and pledged support for the APC candidate ahead of the election.
Barely a year after its inauguration in Akwa Ibom State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep factional crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple factions are now locked in a struggle for control of the party, leaving members uncertain about the legitimate leadership structure.
One faction is led by John Akpanudodehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another is headed by the embattled state chairman, Dick Duke.
Although the leader of a third faction could not be immediately confirmed, findings indicate that another group also exists within the party.
Sources further suggest that the Akpanudodehe-led faction is seeking to remove the current chairman through a recently held congress that has sparked controversy.
In response, Dick Duke convened a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, where he rejected the legitimacy of the said congress.
He said the party had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distance itself from the exercise, citing a subsisting court order.
According to him, his tenure as state chairman is still valid until May, and any congress conducted before then would be unlawful.
Duke added that the party would only proceed with proper congresses after the expiration of his tenure and the resolution of legal issues, in line with due process.
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