Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong have brought pride to Nigeria after being nominated for the prestigious FIFA Best Awards. Lookman, the Super Eagles forward, is in the running for the Best Attacker of 2024, while Troost-Ekong secured a nomination in the defenders’ category.

Lookman’s exceptional season with Atalanta has earned him a spot among the 22 players shortlisted for the Best Attacker award. His consistent performances at the club level saw him finish 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, further solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s rising football stars.

For Troost-Ekong, his inclusion in the defenders’ category comes as no surprise. The Super Eagles center-back was recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a performance that has placed him among 22 top contenders for this prestigious accolade.

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Other African players celebrated on this global stage include Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Soufiane Rahimi, who clinched bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

In addition, Paul Onuachu has made headlines with his nomination for the FIFA Puskás Award, honoring the best goal scored in the past year. His spectacular strike for Trabzonspor against Konyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on November 10, 2023, has landed him among 11 nominees.

On the women’s front, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, now playing for Bay FC in the NWSL, is competing for the FIFA Marta Award. This prestigious title celebrates the world’s best women’s footballers, and Oshoala’s incredible goal for Barcelona Femini in a UEFA Women’s Champions League clash against Benfica last year has cemented her place as one of the 11 nominees.

FIFA’s Best Awards also include a Best XI selection, featuring 11 goalkeepers and 22 nominees each for the defense, midfield, and attack. The ceremony promises to celebrate football’s finest talents, with Nigerians making a significant mark on the global stage.