“This is just the beginning” – Victor Osimhen on his 2023 Ballon d’Or nomination

Super Eagles and Napoli's talisman, Victor James Osimhen, has claimed that his Ballon d'Or nomination is just the beginning.

Super Eagles striker, and 2023 Ballon d'Or nominee, Victor Osimhen has expressed his gratitude for being nominated for an award of such magnitude, but still maintains it's just the beginning, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old striker enjoyed a stellar season in Italy, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades, claiming the Capocannoniere award after leading the team to glory by scoring twenty-six goals in the league.

The 1.85m tall forward, is currently on International duty with the Super Eagles, as they take on São Tomé and Príncipe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in a bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and expressed what being a nominee of the prestigious award means to him.

“Feels good, glory be to God for this achievement. For me, it is a big milestone and a childhood dream. You know, being up there is amazing,” Osimhen told Football Fans Tribe.

Osimhen also gave credit to his family and friends whose support has helped him to keep going, even during hard times, and even though the nomination is great, it is not as good as it gets for the prolific goalscorer.

“It's an amazing feeling for me and I thank those who have been very supportive and helpful to me, and my family also, they stood by me through the hard times. This is just the beginning, we'll keep working hard to achieve all my dreams.”

Nigeria will play São Tomé and Príncipe tomorrow evening, with Osimhen looking to lead the line and make up for his country's absence at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, meanwhile the Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on Monday, 30th October, 2023.