Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman was nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or on Wednesday, following his impressive performances for Atalanta and the Nigerian national team.
This nomination places Lookman on the prestigious list of the top 30 footballers in the world for the year.
Lookman’s nomination comes as no surprise, after he netted a hat-trick to help Atalanta win the Europa League – their first major trophy since 1963 – with a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final, Leverkusen’s only loss of the season. He also contributed a goal and an assist in Atalanta’s 3-0 win over Marseille in the semi-final second leg.
For Nigeria, Lookman was an integral part of the Super Eagles squad that reached the African Cup of Nations final, where they lost to Ivory Coast in February. He scored three goals during the tournament and was named to the Team of the Tournament.
Lookman is now the eighth Nigerian to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination.
Here are the seven other Nigerian players who have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or in the past:
1. Victor Osimhen – Napoli (2023)
Like Lookman, Victor Osimhen played a pivotal role in helping Napoli win the Serie A title in 2023, their first league triumph in 33 years. He emerged as the league’s top scorer and became the highest-scoring African player in Serie A history. Osimhen was named Serie A Player of the Year and won the African Footballer of the Year award.
His achievements earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination, where he finished eighth, the highest placement for a Nigerian in 24 years.
2. Sunday Oliseh – Ajax (1998)
Sunday Oliseh’s 1998 nomination was a reflection of his commanding performances in midfield. He played a key role in Nigeria’s 1998 World Cup campaign, highlighted by his memorable long-range goal against Spain. At Ajax, Oliseh helped his team win the 1997/98 Dutch league title.
Though he didn’t receive votes in the final Ballon d’Or rankings, his nomination recognized his leadership and skill.
3. Victor Ikpeba – Monaco (1997)
Victor Ikpeba, known as the “Prince of Monaco,” was nominated in 1997 after an outstanding season where he was Ligue 1’s top scorer and led Monaco to the French league title. His contributions to Nigeria’s gold-medal-winning campaign at the 1996 Olympics also boosted his reputation.
Ikpeba finished 32nd in the final Ballon d’Or standings and was named African Footballer of the Year.
4. Nwankwo Kanu – Inter, Arsenal (1996, 1999)
Nwankwo Kanu is the only Nigerian to receive multiple Ballon d’Or nominations, in 1996 and 1999. In 1996, Kanu captained Nigeria to Olympic gold, and in 1999, he earned recognition after an impressive season with Arsenal.
Known for his technical skill and creativity, Kanu finished 11th in 1996 Ballon d’Or standings and 23rd in 1999.
5. Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha – Eintracht Frankfurt (1995)
1995 was a landmark year for African football as Liberia’s George Weah won both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards. That year, three Nigerians were nominated, including Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, renowned for his dribbling and flair.
While he didn’t receive any votes, Okocha’s nomination acknowledged his status as one of the most entertaining playmakers of his time.
6. Daniel Amokachi – Everton (1995)
Also nominated in 1995, Daniel Amokachi earned recognition for his performances with Everton and Nigeria. A key player in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON victory and 1994 World Cup run, Amokachi’s power and tenacity made him a feared striker. He helped Everton win the FA Cup in 1995, famously substituting himself into a match and scoring twice in the semi-final.
Like Okocha, Amokachi did not receive votes in the final standings.
7. Finidi George – Ajax (1995)
Finidi George’s 1995 nomination came after an exceptional season with Ajax, where he was instrumental in their UEFA Champions League victory alongside fellow Nigerian Kanu. His pace and crossing ability made him a crucial figure in one of Europe’s best teams.
Finidi finished 21st in the Ballon d’Or rankings, with six votes.
Where do you think Lookman will finish in the rankings? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
