Osimhen to challenge Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, for best FIFA award

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been nominated for the 2023 Best FIFA Player of the Year award.

The 24-year-old Napoli striker is one of 12 players on the shortlist for the annual award, according to a statement released by FIFA on Thursday.

In the statement, the world football governing body said the nominees were shortlisted based on their achievements during the year in view.

Osimhen is up against the likes of Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe for the award.

The striker who led Napoli to its first Serie A title in 33 years is also joined on the list by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, his teammate in Naples.

Osimhen won the Serie A highest goalscorer award last season — becoming the first African to achieve the feat.

The Nigerian striker also finished highest goalscorer of the just-concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier series with ten goals.

Five current Manchester City players make the list, with Ilkay Gundogan who played for Pep Guardiola’s side last season, also on the shortlist.

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According to FIFA, the winner will be decided by votes from an international jury comprising national team captains and coaches, journalists, and fans from all over the world.

Osimhen was last week also nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or award.

FULL LIST:

Julián Álvarez (Argentina / Manchester City FC);
Marcelo Brozović (Croatia / FC Internazionale Milano /Al Nassr FC);
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium / Manchester City FC);
İlkay Gündoğan (Germany / Manchester City FC /FC Barcelona);
Erling Haaland (Norway / Manchester City FC);
Rodrigo (Rodri) Hernández Cascante (Spain / Manchester City FC);
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia / SSC Napoli);
Kylian Mbappé (France / Paris Saint-Germain);
Lionel Messi (Argentina / Paris Saint-Germain /Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami);
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / SSC Napoli);
Declan Rice (England / West Ham United FC /Arsenal FC);
Bernardo Silva (Portugal / Manchester City FC).