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

Former Nigeria defender Sam Sodje has expressed his belief that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman can once again earn a spot in the Ballon d’Or spotlight if they improve their consistency and the performance of their respective teams. This statement comes after England captain Harry Kane won the prestigious award on October 26 at the London Palladium, with no Nigerian players making the 30-man men's nominees list.

Osimhen finished eighth in the 2023 rankings, which remains the best result for a Nigerian man, while Lookman placed 14th in 2024. Sodje emphasized that individual brilliance alone is not always enough to secure the award, as football is a collective sport. "I know the Ballon d’Or is an individual award, but football in general is not individual. It depends on how your team is playing," he told Africafoot.

Sodje also pointed out that the national team's poor performance might have impacted the players' form. Additionally, he highlighted Osimhen's situation at Galatasaray, where he has been playing well but his club has not been among the top contenders in the Champions League or other competitions. "Osimhen has been playing well, but he is in Turkey, and his team has not been among the best clubs in the Champions League or other competitions," he said.

The expert concluded by stating that while the pair has had strong individual performances, they need to continue their hard work despite missing out on the award. "Personally, they have not had their best performances or been in their best form. There are many factors," Sodje stated. "I have played the game for a long time, so I know that when confidence comes in, you can have a good game or a good period. They cannot regret it. They just have to keep working hard. When your country is doing well, it does help."

Although Osimhen scored 30 goal contributions in all competitions during the 2025/26 season, and Lookman managed 12 goals and six assists, their collective effort was not enough as Nigeria did not qualify for the World Cup. George Weah is the only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or to date, achieving the feat in 1995.