Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, and Asisat Oshoala have been nominated in various categories of the prestigious 2024 FIFA Best awards.
The nominations were announced by FIFA on Friday, further highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence in global football.
Ademola Lookman, who ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, is shortlisted in the Best Attacker category. He joins an elite lineup that includes Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
William Troost-Ekong is a nominee for the Best Defender category, competing against players such as Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, William Saliba, Achraf Hakimi, and Jonathan Tah.
Asisat Oshoala has been recognized for her incredible acrobatic strike for Barcelona Femeni against Benfica in the Women’s Champions League in November 2023.
Her goal earned her a nomination for the newly introduced Marta Award, which celebrates the best goal in women’s football.
In the global stage for the Best FIFA Men’s Player, Rodri and Vinicius Junior will vie for the top prize alongside stars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde.
Rodri’s crowning as the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner in October has already set the stage for another intense competition.
Votes for the FIFA Best awards are equally weighted between fans and an expert panel. Fans can cast their votes on the FIFA website until December 10, 2024.