Nigerian music sensation, David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has extended his congratulations to Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, two outstanding Nigerian footballers who have been nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.
The nominees for both the men’s and women’s categories of this highly regarded football accolade were revealed by the organisers on Wednesday.
Victor Osimhen, who has made history as the first Nigerian male footballer to be shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or since 1999, will face stiff competition from the likes of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski, and 24 other exceptional players.
As for Asisat Oshoala, this marks her second consecutive nomination for the Ballon d’Or award, and she hopes to secure victory among the 29 other talented players who have also made the shortlist, News About Nigeria reports.
Davido wasted no time in expressing his joy and pride in his fellow Nigerians’ achievements.
He took to his social media handle to post images of both Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, alongside the Nigerian flag.
Both Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala had exceptional seasons with their respective clubs last year.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph, contributing an impressive 26 goals and becoming the first African player to claim the prestigious Capocannoniere award.
On the other hand, Asisat Oshoala showcased her extraordinary talent with Barcelona Femini, amassing an impressive record of 26 goals and six assists in 37 appearances.
Her efforts played a crucial role in Barcelona’s success in both the La Liga and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The winners of the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards, for both the men’s and women’s categories, will be revealed during a grand ceremony in Paris, France, scheduled for Monday, October 30.
