We can never undermine the success of Nigerian footballers, so we compiled a list of the only Nigerian footballers nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most coveted individual awards in football history, so it is important for Nigerian footballers to be nominated for such an award.
This is why we have compiled a list of the only Nigerian footballers that have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or award since its inception in 1956.
How Many Nigerian Footballers Have Been Nominated For The Ballon d’Or?
Since the inception of the Ballon d’Or awards in 1956, only 6 Nigerians have been nominated for the prestigious award. The evolution of Nigerian football over time and the unique talents of the players on this list played a crucial role in the nomination of these footballers.
Who Are The Nigerian Footballers That Have Been Nominated For The Ballon d’Or?
Finidi George
Daniel Amokachi
Nwankwo Kanu
Jay Jay Okocha
Sunday Oliseh
Victor Ikpeba
What Year Was Finidi George Nominated For The Ballon d’Or?
The former Super Eagles and Ajax player was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1995 alongside the first African to win the award, George Weah. He had received a total of 6 votes from the voting committee. Finidi George had an undeniable run with Ajax as he won a total of five titles with the dutch side, one of such trophies was the UEFA Champions League.
What Year Was Daniel Amokachi Nominated For The Ballon d’Or?
The Super Eagles legend who was part of the Atlanta 1996 dream team was also nominated in 1995 following his crucial role for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the English side Everton.
What Year Was Nwankwo Kanu Nominated For The Ballon d’Or?
Nwankwo Kanu is arguably the most successful Nigerian at the Ballon d’Or, and to date, he has the highest ranking at the awards. Kanu was nominated in 1996, where he finished at 11th place on the ranking following his massive success at Ajax. He received a total of 16 votes in 1996, which put him above other international players like Raul, Didier Deschamps, etc.
He was also nominated in 1999 and also received two votes that same year.
What Year Was Jay-Jay Okocha Nominated For The Ballon d’Or?
Jay-Jay Okocha was nominated in 1995 and 1999 but was not ranked because he did not get any votes from the voting committee. His nominations came following his successful spell at the German side Eintracht Frankfurt and the Super Eagles’ success at the African Cup Of Nations and the Olympics.
What Year Was Sunday Oliseh Nominated For The Ballon d’Or?
Sunday Oliseh was nominated in 1998 for the Ballon d’Or following his decisive strike against Spain at the World Cup in that same year. He was also influential in Ajax’s title win of the double Dutch in 1998 as well.
What Year Was Victor Ikpeba Nominated For The Ballon d’Or?
Victor Ikpeba, who was regarded as the Prince of Monaco in the Ligue 1, bagged his Ballon d’Or nomination in 1997, the same year he won the African Player of the year.
Victor Ikpeba received a total of two votes from the Ballon d’Or voting committee in 1997.
