Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje has explained what Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman must do to return to contention for the Ballon d’Or after both forwards missed out on this year’s nominees, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian duo have enjoyed recognition among football’s leading players in recent years, with Osimhen finishing eighth in the 2023 rankings before Lookman secured 14th place a year later.
However, neither forward featured among the 30 nominees for the 2026 award, prompting questions about what they need to do to regain their place among the game’s elite.
Speaking recently in an interview relayed by Footy Africa, Sodje argued that individual quality alone might not be enough, stressing the importance of collective success and consistent performances.
“I know the Ballon d’Or is an individual award, but football in general is not individual. It depends on how your team is playing,” the former Brentford defender said.
“I think the national team not doing well might have affected the players as well. They have not been in top form.”
Osimhen has continued his career with Turkish champions Galatasaray following his departure from Napoli, but Sodje believes the level of competition and his club’s performances could influence his chances of attracting individual recognition.
“Osimhen has been playing well, but he is in Turkey, and his team has not been among the best clubs in the Champions League or other competitions.
“They are doing well, but it just shows you that, when it comes to the Ballon d’Or, your team needs to be playing well.”
Sodje also pointed to confidence and consistency as important factors, urging both Nigerians to remain focused despite missing out on this year’s shortlist.
“Personally, they have not had their best performances or been in their best form. There are many factors,” he said.
“I have played the game for a long time, so I know that when confidence comes in, you can have a good game or a good period. They cannot regret it. They just have to keep working hard. When your country is doing well, it does help.”
With both forwards still clearly among the best attacking talents in the entirety of Europe, it wouldn’t be out of place for fans to be expecting at least one of them to return to the Ballon d’Or conversation at some point in the near future.
