Sports
Nigerian players are once again gaining recognition on the global stage at the FIFA Best Awards.
In October 2023, Victor Osimhen secured an impressive 8th place in the Ballon d’Or final rankings, a testament to his remarkable season with Napoli. The Super Eagles striker played a pivotal role in leading the club to its first Scudetto in 33 years, netting 26 goals to become Serie A’s top scorer. Across all competitions, he amassed a total of 28 goals and 10 assists in 49 appearances during the 2022/23 season.
Notably, Osimhen emerged as the highest-ranking African player in the Ballon d’Or standings, surpassing Egypt’s Mohammed Salah, who finished in 11th place. This recognition followed Osimhen’s accolade as the CAF Player of the Year in December of the previous year. In the same vein, Ademola Lookman of Atalanta also made headlines, ranking 14th in the Ballon d’Or gala, marking him as the only other African on the 30-man shortlist.
The recent nominations for the Best FIFA Awards 2024, which include Nigerian players Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Paul Onuachu, and Asisat Oshoala, further emphasize the resurgence of Nigerian football on both continental and global stages. Troost-Ekong’s recognition as the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations underscores the talent within the Nigerian squad.
Clinton McDubus, a prominent football analyst, attributes this renewed recognition to the players’ excellence and improved branding. He notes, “Excellence at the top level cannot be hidden,” highlighting that the global football community is increasingly aware of the contributions of Nigerian players. The active engagement of Nigerians in promoting their football stars on social media has also played a crucial role in amplifying their achievements.
Osimhen and Lookman’s evolution as players has been significant. McDubus points out that Osimhen has refined his skills since his early days at Lille and Napoli, transforming into a world-class striker. Similarly, Lookman has improved key aspects of his game, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth and responsibility.
As Lookman emerges as a favorite for the upcoming CAF Player of the Year award, the prospect of back-to-back wins for Nigeria is on the horizon. McDubus emphasizes the importance of capitalizing on this talent, urging the national team to convert individual successes into collective achievements. “We cannot be having back-to-back CAF POTY winners and keep falling short,” he asserts, underscoring the necessity for the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup and secure their place among football’s elite.
In conclusion, the resurgence of Nigerian footballers on the global stage is a promising development. With players like Osimhen and Lookman leading the way, the future looks bright for Nigerian football, provided the national team can harness this talent and achieve significant milestones in international competitions.
Former Al Nassr forward Anderson Talisca has publicly shared his positive experiences playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. In a recent interview with Globo, Talisca expressed his admiration for Ronaldo’s professionalism and the positive impact he had on his own development.
Talisca emphasized that Ronaldo taught him valuable lessons about maintaining a high level of professionalism, self-care, and focus. He described Ronaldo as a straightforward individual and expressed that working with him was a dream come true.
The pair played 49 matches together, with their combined efforts resulting in seven goals. Talisca concluded by stating that the experience of leading Al Nassr’s attack with Ronaldo is something he will cherish for the rest of his life.
Sports
Inter Miami, led by Messi, were unable to secure a victory against Al Ahly in their initial match.
Inter Miami and Al Ahly played to a scoreless draw in the opening match of the 2025 Club World Cup. The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium, saw Al Ahly begin strongly, but Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, proved to be a formidable barrier. Ustari notably saved Trezeguet’s first-half penalty, denying the Egyptian side an early lead. Lionel Messi showed flashes of brilliance in the second half, but Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, El Shenawy, thwarted Inter Miami’s attempts to score. Both teams will continue their Club World Cup campaign on June 19, with Inter Miami facing Porto and Al Ahly playing against Palmeiras.
Recent reports from within Galatasaray, courtesy of Ali Naci Küçük, shed light on the conditions set by Victor Osimhen regarding his potential continued presence at the club. Apparently, Osimhen seeks assurance of a strengthened squad, exemplified by the acquisition of high-caliber players.
Küçük revealed that the recent signing of Leroy Sané from Bayern Munich was, in fact, a strategic move to satisfy Osimhen’s demands. Sané’s imminent arrival, on a 3-year deal, underscores Galatasaray’s ambition to build a competitive team. The club has reportedly offered Osimhen a substantial €14 million salary, inclusive of bonuses, as they endeavor to retain the prolific striker who previously scored 37 goals in 41 appearances during a loan spell.
Osimhen, however, remains deliberate in his decision-making process, urging patience. Galatasaray’s management is seemingly amenable to Osimhen’s requests, acknowledging the necessity of a strong team to secure his commitment.
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