By Victor Kanayo
Nigerian international and Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen has made the final shortlist for the 2023 FIFA best football awards.
Also, Argentina captain Lionel Messi also made the final 12 cut, alongside 10 other top-rated footballers.
Others are Julian Alvarez, Marcelo Brozovic, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan.
Erling Haaland, Rodri, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kylian Mbappe, Declan Rice and Bernardo Silva.
One Man Standing
Incidentally, Osimhen is the only African player who towered to the last stage of the shortlist.
Osimhen helped Napoli to win the Italian Serie A last season with 31 goals in all competitions.
At the international scene, Osimhen emerged the African highest goal scorer in the African Nations Cup qualifier with 10 goals.
Women’s Category, Oshoala Out, Award Date
However, his Nigerian compatriot, Asisat Oshoala and Barcelona striker failed to make the final 12 in the Women’s category.
Those in the Women’s final 12 nominees for the Best FIFA Women’s Player award are Aitana Bonmati, Linda Caicedo, Rachel Daly, Kadidiatou Diani, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Alex Greenwood, Jennifer Hermoso, Lindsey Horan, Amanda Ilestedt, Lauren James, Sam Kerr, Mapi Leon, Hinata Miyazawa, Salma Paralluelo and Keira Walsh.
According to the organisers, the final three nominees in each category will be announced at a later date, while the Best FIFA Football Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Paris on February 27, 2024.
