Nigeria may be one of the few countries already confirmed of a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia but none of its stars could sneak into the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlists released on Monday.
Having gone separate ways with FIFA last year, the annual accolade is now solely sponsored by French Football.
Just like that of the apex soccer ruling body, it recognises top players who’ve distinguished themselves in the year under review.
With Nigerians snubbed for FIFA’s version, the belief was the country’s star players will find a way into the Ballon d’Or’s.
Victor Moses had a memorable year as Chelsea cruised to the Premier League title last season with the likes of Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi equally impressive.
Yet, none were deemed good enough to feature among the elites.
Unsurprisingly superstar forwards, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar, made the cut.
So did Harry Kane, Luis Suarez, Robert Lewandowski and Sadio Mane, who is Africa’s sole representative.
Ballon d’Or nominees
Neymar (PSG/Brazil), Luka Modric (Real Madrid/Croatia), Paulo Dybala (Juventus/Argentina), Marcelo (Real Madrid/Brazil), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea/France), Luis Suarez (Barcelona/Uruguay), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid/Spain), Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid/Slovenia), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool/Brazil), Dries Mertens (Napoli/Belgium), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/Belgium), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Poland), David De Gea (Manchester United/Spain), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur/England), Edin Dzeko (Roma/Bosnia & Herzegovina), Sadio Mane (Liverpool/Senegal), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid/France), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/Germany), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus/Italy) and Radamel Falcao (Monaco/Colombia).
