Nigeria Premier League
Osimhen, Oshoala Make 2023 Ballon d’Or Nomination List
Nigerian Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen and Super Falcons’ Asisat Oshoala have been nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
It is an exceptional first time that two Nigerian players have been nominated for this prestigious award in the same year.
Osimhen had a phenomenal season with Napoli during his last break; Thanks to this, the Neapolitan club won the first Serie A championship in over 30 years. The Nigerian finished the season as Italy’s top scorer with 26 goals, a feat never before achieved by an African player, and started the new campaign brilliantly with three goals in three games.
Osimhen’s exploits are not just down to his club as he has also done great things in the green and white colours of Nigeria, earning him a national honour bestowed on him by the government of Muhammadu Buhari.
Osimhen was a key player for the Super Eagles, helping them qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in one game. He is also the qualifying series’ top scorer; stressed his key role in the campaign.
Other contenders for the 2023 Ballon d’Or include Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Robert Lewandowski, Erling Halland, Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka,
Meanwhile, Oshoala has been in equally impressive form for years since Barcelona Femeni who she helped achieved a historic treble that culminated in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The 28-year-old, who scored 21 goals in 28 appearances for Barcelona last season, has also been fantastic for the Super Falcons national team.
Oshoala, despite her injuries, helped the Super Falcons reached the Round of 16 at the last World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.
World Women’s Champion Aitana Bonmati, Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa and Colombian teenager Linda Caicedo were also on the nomination list alongside Oshoala.
Full list of Men’s Ballon d’Or nominees:
André Onana – Manchester United/Cameroon
Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City/Croatia
Karim Benzema – Al Ittihad
amal Musiala – Bayern Munich/Germany
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool v Egypt
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid v England
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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