Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to know fate as Messi, Haaland go head-to-head for Ballon d’Or

The Nigeria international has been one of the best players on the planet over the past year, but he may need to wait a while longer before winning the prestigious honour

Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is in contention for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award, with the winner set to be announced today, October 30th, Soccernet.ng reports.

The much-anticipated 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony will kick off on Monday in Paris, France, at the Theatre du Chatelet. Viewers can catch the live stream of the event on France Football’s official website, starting at 6 pm Nigerian time.

Last year, Karim Benzema clinched the prestigious title, surpassing Sadio Mane and Kevin de Bruyne.

While Osimhen has been exceptional for Napoli and Nigeria, this year’s race, however, features three frontline contenders: Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe.

Messi, who won the FIFA World Cup last year with Argentina and the tournament’s Best Player award, also claimed the French Ligue title with PSG before his recent move to Inter Miami.

Meanwhile, Haaland enjoyed a victorious season, triumphing in the Champions League, FA Cup, and the Premier League with Manchester City, boasting an impressive 52 goals in all competitions.

As for Mbappe, his leadership drove France to a second-place finish in the World Cup, earning him the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and securing the French Ligue 1 title with PSG.

Osimhen would be considered the best among the rest as he powered Napoli to the club’s first Scudetto title in 30 years. The Super Eagles forward also finished as the top scorer in Serie A, the first time an African player would claim the accolade.

Other noteworthy nominees i

The other nominees inxlude Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and Antoine Griezmann, among others.