The Nigerian quartet of Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Asisat Oshoala, and Paul Onuachu have been recognized with nominations in various categories for the prestigious FIFA Best Awards 2024.
According to the list released by FIFA on Friday, Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, earned a spot in the Best Attacker category. He will face competition from top players like Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Lookman, instrumental in leading Atalanta to a Europa League title last season, also helped the Super Eagles secure a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). With his stellar performances, he is considered a favorite for the CAF Player of the Year 2024 award next month.
Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s stand-in captain, was nominated in the Best Defender category alongside stars such as William Saliba (Arsenal), Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), and Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid).
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala, renowned for her record-breaking CAF Women’s Player of the Year wins, was shortlisted for the newly-created Marta Award, recognizing the best goal in women’s football. Oshoala’s stunning acrobatic goal for Barcelona Femeni against Benfica in the Women’s Champions League in November 2024 earned her a place on the list.
Paul Onuachu, currently playing for Southampton, secured a nomination for the Puskás Award, which honors the best goal in men’s football. His brilliant flick during Trabzonspor’s 2-1 victory over Konyaspor on November 10, 2023, put him in contention for the accolade.
Lionel Messi headlines the nominees for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award, joined by Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and other football icons. Fans can cast their votes for all categories on the FIFA website until December 2024, with winners to be determined by a combination of fan votes and an expert panel.
Highlights of FIFA Best Awards 2024 Nominees
The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees
Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid
Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City
Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid
Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen
Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona
Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami
Rodri (Spain), Manchester City
Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)
Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Real Madrid
The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees
Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barcelona
Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona
Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona
Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City
Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City
Lindsey Horan (USA), Olympique Lyonnais
Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea
Mallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal
Naomi Girma (USA), San Diego Wave
Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona
Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona
Sophia Smith (USA), Portland Thorns
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais
Trinity Rodman (USA), Washington Spirit
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees
Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil
Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic
Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USA
Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan
Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City
Jonatan Giraldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit
Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC
Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/Chelsea
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina
Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain
Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City
Xabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer Leverkusen
The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees
Alyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham
Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City
Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona
Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain
The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nominees
Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real Madrid
David Raya (Spain), Arsenal
Ederson (Brazil), Manchester City
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Aston Villa
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain
Mike Maignan (France), AC Milan
Unai Simon (Spain), Athletic Club
Voting Information:
Fans can vote online via FIFA’s official website, with voting open until December 2024. Winners will be revealed in a globally anticipated ceremony.