‘Osimhen, Lookman can return to Ballon d’Or spotlight’

Former Nigeria defender Sam Sodje has suggested that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman could return to the Ballon d’Or spotlight if they improve their consistency and their respective clubs' performances. The comments came after England captain Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or award in London on October 26. No Nigerian was included among the 30 men's nominees for the 2026 award.

Osimhen finished eighth in the 2023 rankings, the best result by a Nigerian man to date, while Lookman placed 14th in 2024. Sodje stated that individual brilliance alone is not always enough to win the prestigious award, as football is a team sport. He believes that the national team's poor performances may have affected the players' form.

Sodje also pointed out that Osimhen's situation at his current club, Galatasaray, may have contributed to his current form. "Osimhen has been playing well, but his team has not been among the best clubs in the Champions League or other competitions," he said. Sodje emphasized that both players must keep working hard despite their current form, stating that confidence can lead to a good game or a good period.

Osimhen and Lookman combined to score seven of Nigeria’s 14 goals at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but the qualifying window for the World Cup ended on July 19, 2026, and Nigeria did not qualify for the tournament.