Nigerian Stars Shine Bright in Ballon d’Or Firmament
As the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, Nigerians are eagerly anticipating the recognition of their talented footballers on the global stage. The prestigious awards ceremony, scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, promises to be an exciting affair.
Two Nigerian stars have made the cut for the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards. Chiamaka Nnadozie, a talented goalkeeper, has been nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy, a testament to her exceptional skills between the posts. She is the first African goalkeeper to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination in this category.
Meanwhile, Justine Madugu, the coach of the Super Falcons, has been nominated for the Women’s Best Coach award, following her impressive stint at the helm of the Nigerian women’s national team. Her nomination is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Nigeria has a rich history of producing talented footballers who have shone bright in the Ballon d’Or. Finidi George finished 21st in 1995 after a dazzling season with Ajax, capped by a Champions League triumph.
His impressive performance on the pitch earned him a spot among the best players in the world.
Nwankwo Kanu is another Nigerian legend who has made his mark in the Ballon d’Or. He finished 11th in 1996 and 23rd in 1999, showcasing his exceptional skills with Inter Milan and Arsenal. Kanu’s performances on the pitch were always a delight to watch, and his nominations are a testament to his talent.
Victor Osimhen made history with Napoli, winning the Golden Boot and finishing 8th in 2023, the highest ever by a Nigerian male footballer.
His impressive goal-scoring record and dominance on the pitch earned him a well-deserved spot among the best players in the world.
Asisat Oshoala became the first Nigerian woman nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin, finishing 16th in 2022 and 20th in 2023 with Barcelona Femeni. Her nominations are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport, and she continues to inspire young female footballers around the world.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony promises to be an exciting affair, with a new generation of football stars vying for the top prize. While the winners remain to be seen, one thing is certain – Nigerian footballers will continue to shine bright on the global stage. With talented players like Chiamaka Nnadozie and experienced coaches like Justine Madugu, Nigeria is sure to make its mark in the world of football.
