The Punch
Osimhen, Lookman Snubbed as Nigeria's Three-Year Ballon d'Or Streak Comes to an End'
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman miss out on the 2026 Ballon d'Or, ending Nigeria's three-year run of having a footballer or coach named as the world's best.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and midfielder Ademola Lookman were left out of France Football's 30-man shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, ending a three-year streak of Nigerian footballers being included in the list. The lack of representation from Nigeria highlights the country's struggles to produce top-class talent. Osimhen and Lookman had been part of an impressive trio of Nigerian players on the list previously.
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