Super Eagles stars Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been shortlisted for the 2024 International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) Men’s World Best Player award. The duo are among 30 players nominated for the prestigious honor, with the list released on Thursday.
Lookman earned his nomination following standout performances for Nigeria and Atalanta. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League success last season, scoring a hat-trick in the final victory against Bayer Leverkusen under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The 27-year-old also netted three goals in seven appearances for Nigeria during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen, meanwhile, shone with 15 goals in 25 Serie A appearances for Napoli last season. Currently on loan at Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray, the 25-year-old continues to impress at both club and international levels.
Lookman and Osimhen will compete against top names, including reigning winner Erling Haaland, and Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior.
Other notable nominees include Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, Manchester City’s Rodri, and Barcelona’s rising talent Lamine Yamal. Real Madrid leads the nominees with seven players, followed by Manchester City and Arsenal with four each, and Bayern Munich with three.
The IFFHS World Best Player award is one of football’s most prestigious honors, celebrating the best-performing players globally each year. The winner will be announced later this year, with many eyes on Haaland to see if he can retain his title.