Ikenna Okafor
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen achieved a new record at the 2023 Men’s Ballon d’Or held in Paris yesterday.
The Napoli of Italy striker was rated among the best 10 footballers in the World as he placed 8th. With this, Osimhen became the highest ever ranked Nigerian and the highest ranked African at this year’s award.
Last season’s Italian Serie A highest goal scorer is the first Nigerian to be nominated in the male category in 24 years. Kanu Nwankwo was the last Super Eagles player to be nominated.
Osimhen’s goals last season confirmed his record for the most goals scored by an African in the Italian Serie A, beating Liberia’s George Opong Weah’s record.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi claimed his 8th Ballon d’Or award with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in second place. Other players in the top ten include Kylian Mbappe, Kevin de Bruyne, Bernado Silva, Rodri, Luka Modric, Julian Alvarez and Victor Osimhen
