Ballon d’Or: Nigeria’s coach says Napoli striker Victor Osimhen can win prestigious award

Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro believes Victor Osimhen can win the Ballon d’Or award in the future.

The Nigerian striker is one of the 30 nominees for the prize this year and is up against the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior, Andre Onana, Yassine Bounou, and others.

24-year-old Osimhen is the first Nigerian male footballer to be nominated for the award prize since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 and was also nominated for the 2023 The Best FIFA Men's Player crown.

In an interview with Italian publication, II Mattino, per Vanguard, Peseiro affirmed his belief that the Napoli striker can win the award in future.

"[Osimhen] can surely win the Ballon d’Or in the future. He’s not lacking anything to do it. He has different characteristics than other players that are at the top at this moment, but he scores a lot as well."

The former FC Porto coach also spoke about Osimhen's performances for Nigeria during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he emerged as the top goal-scorer (10).

"I was afraid he would be down in the dumps, but instead, he was devastating. He closed the AFCON qualifiers with ten goals and was the top scorer. He was the same smiley and happy Victor as always. It’s an advantage for everybody."

Osimhen's performances with Napoli last season earned him a place on the list of nominees. He led his club to the Serie A title for the first time since 1990.

The former Lille striker has started this season on a good note as well, scoring three goals in his first four league games for the Neapolitans.