In a week that sparked excitement across the globe, Nigeria once again had something to cheer about. Ademola Lookman, Atalanta’s dynamic forward, followed in Victor Osimhen’s footsteps to secure a place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, marking a back-to-back presence for Nigeria in world football’s most celebrated award. Not since the 1990s has Nigerian football seen such representation on this prestigious stage, bringing back memories of a time when Super Eagles players were not only competing at the highest levels but also receiving global accolades.
With Lookman’s 14th-place finish this year and Osimhen’s impressive eighth-place last year, Nigerian football seems to be on the cusp of another golden era, one that could echo the achievements of the 90s. Back then, Nigeria’s footballers weren’t just part of the game—they were changing it.
The Golden era: Nigeria’s Ballon d’Or story begins
The Ballon d’Or, originally exclusive to European players, opened its doors to the world in 1995, and Nigeria wasted no time making its mark. That year, three Nigerian stars—Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Finidi George, and Daniel Amokachi—caught the attention of voters and joined the ranks of the best. Their names stood tall among Europe’s elite, a testament to the strength, flair, and discipline that Nigerian players brought to the game. Although Liberia’s George Weah won the award, becoming the only African to do so till date, these Nigerians’ presence was a proud moment for the country.
Finidi George was a key part of Ajax’s team that won the Champions League that year, showing a mix of speed and technical brilliance that made him a threat from midfield. Okocha took Europe by storm with his dribbles and flair in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. Amokachi, known as “The Bull,” powered his way into fans’ hearts with Everton, where his goals helped the Toffees secure the FA Cup in 1995. Together, they signaled Nigeria’s arrival on the world football stage, bringing with them the vibrancy and passion of a country that was falling deeper in love with the sport.

The Super Eagles had, the year prior, taken the world by storm, qualifying for their first World Cup, topping a World Cup group that included Bulgaria, Argentina, and Greece. They were on the verge of a quarter-final qualification before losing to Italy in the round of 16 after extra time. The Eagles rose to fifth in the world rankings after their World Cup exploits.
The impact of that 1995 recognition didn’t end with those three players. It set the tone for years to come, inspiring an entire generation of young Nigerians who dreamed of reaching similar heights.
A strong continuation: Kanu, Ikpeba, Oliseh, and the road to 1999
The Ballon d’Or nominations continued to flow for Nigeria throughout the late 90s. Kanu Nwankwo, with his elegance and versatility, was a rising star at Ajax, where he was part of the 1995 Champions League glory and returned to the final the next year. He also led Nigeria to Olympics glory in 1996 before moving to Inter. That same year, he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, finishing 11th.
Victor Ikpeba, known as the “Prince of Monaco,” was next to carry the torch. His skill and precise finishing saw him lead Monaco to league titles in the fiercely competitive French Ligue 1, and in 1997, he joined the Ballon d’Or shortlist, another historic moment for Nigeria. Ikpeba’s elegance and drive made him an unforgettable name in Nigerian football, embodying the nation’s determination.

In 1998, Sunday Oliseh earned his place among the best. Oliseh was a different kind of player—a midfield general whose fierce tackling and pinpoint passing kept his teams on the front foot. His rocket of a goal against Spain in the 1998 World Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in Nigeria’s football history, a highlight that brought Nigeria to the world’s attention again.
Kanu, the only Nigerian to be nominated twice, made the Ballon d’Or nominees again in 1999, marking the last time a Nigerian would be on the list until two decades later.

A silent period: 1999–2023
After Kanu, the trail went cold. Nigerian players continued to showcase talent and passion, with many winning laurels with their club both in the league and in Europe, but for various reasons—including the shifting dynamics of European football and the rise of other footballing nations—Nigeria’s presence in the Ballon d’Or rankings faded. It was a dry spell that lasted over two decades, with no Nigerian player coming close to being recognised among the world’s best.
Yet even during those years, Nigeria’s passion for football never dimmed. Fans still gathered around televisions and in packed stadiums, cheering for players who might not have been on the Ballon d’Or radar but were champions in their own right. Against the odds, coached by ex-international Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles became continental champions again, winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. But then, in 2023, something changed. A new generation of Nigerian stars had started to emerge, hungry to reclaim the glory that once defined Nigerian football on the global stage.

The resurgence: Osimhen and Lookman spark hope
Last year, the drought was broken spectacularly. Victor Osimhen, with his relentless energy and deadly finishing, stormed onto the Ballon d’Or scene, finishing eighth after leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades. His achievement was a proud moment not only for Nigerian fans but for all of Africa, reigniting pride in Nigerian football.

This year, Ademola Lookman followed suit, finishing 14th after a stellar season with Atalanta where he scored a remarkable hat-trick in their 3-0 Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen and leading Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final. His place among the world’s best reinforced what Osimhen started, showing that Nigerian players are here to stay. For the first time in over two decades, Nigeria has had back-to-back Ballon d’Or nominees, a sign that something special is brewing.
A path back to glory: What this means for Nigerian football
Osimhen and Lookman’s achievements could be more than individual milestones—they could represent the beginning of a transformation for Nigerian football. Their presence in the Ballon d’Or rankings has already inspired young players back home, who now have role models to emulate. There’s a renewed sense of possibility, a belief that Nigerian players can once again become household names around the world.
The success of these two stars could also attract more investment in Nigerian football infrastructure, from academies and training facilities to stronger youth programs. European clubs are eyeing talent emerging from Nigeria’s leagues, and with the right support, the Super Eagles could soon rise to reclaim their place among Africa’s—and the world’s—best teams. With players like Victor Boniface setting Europe ablaze with goals, Nigerians can dream of further Ballon d’Or recognition.
Can the Super Eagles ride this momentum?
There’s reason to believe this resurgence of individual talent could translate into success for the national team. The Super Eagles, once known for their fearless and fast-paced style, are seeing a new generation of talent emerge, including players like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Boniface, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Samuel Chukwueze. If effectively managed, they could bring Nigeria back to the forefront of international football.

For a country with such a deep love for the game, the promise of a stronger, more competitive national team means everything. Fans remember the thrill of the 90s when Nigeria dominated Africa and earned global respect. With talents like Osimhen and Lookman leading the charge, there’s a feeling Nigerian football might just be on the verge of a revival that could bring back those glory days.
Looking ahead: A new era of ambition and excellence
Osimhen and Lookman’s Ballon d’Or nominations are more than just nods to their individual skills—they’re a beacon of hope for the entire Nigerian football community. By recalling the feats of Finidi, Okocha, Kanu, Amokachi, Ikpeba, and Oliseh, these two players remind us of what Nigerian football is capable of. They show a new generation of fans and players that the world stage is within reach.
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