Nigeria has produced several footballers who have earned recognition among the world’s best players, with a number of them receiving nominations for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award over the years.
From the golden generation of the 1990s to the modern era, Nigerian stars have featured on the shortlist for football’s most coveted individual prize.
Finidi George was among the first Nigerians to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination. The former Ajax and Real Betis winger was nominated in 1995 and finished 21st in the voting.
Also nominated in 1995 were former Super Eagles stars Daniel Amokachi and Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, who were recognised for their performances at club and international level.
Nwankwo Kanu followed in 1996, earning a nomination after a remarkable year with Ajax. The former Super Eagles captain finished 11th, which remained one of the best performances by a Nigerian player until recent years. Kanu was nominated again in 1999.
