Lookman, Ekong, Oshoala, Onuachu Make Shortlist For FIFA Best Awards 2024 (FULL LIST)

The Nigerian quartet of Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Asisat Oshoala, and Paul Onuachu has been shortlisted in various categories of the FIFA Best Awards for 2024. &nbsp,

Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in the Italian Serie A, was nominated for Best Attacker in the category released on Friday by the world football governing body. He will battle it out with the impressive Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo among other high-profile players.

The Nigerian, who led Atalanta to the Europa League title last season with a flawless performance, is also in excellent form for the new campaign this year. He assisted the Super Eagles, who lost to hosts Cote d’Ivoire, to reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

When the CAF Player of the Year 2024 ceremony takes place next month, Lookman will also be in pole position.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Record Biggest Drop In November FIFA Ranking

Nigeria’s stand-in captain Troost-Ekong was named in the Best Defender category alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba, Manuel Akanji, Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and others.

Oshoala, who has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year crown for a record number of times was listed in the newly-introduced Marta Award. The prize is for the best goal in women’s football. In November 2024, she scored an acrobatic goal against Benfica in the Women’s Champions League, which put her in contention for that title.

The male version, the Puskas, took her place alongside Southampton forward Onuachu and her compatriot. His deft flick in&nbsp, Trabzonspor’s 2-1 win over Konyaspor on November 10, 2023, was enough to put him in contention for the best goal gong in men’s football.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi headlined the men’s best player nominees. Football fans have erupted over the inclusion of the Inter Miami forward. The Argentine will vie for the prize alongside Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde.

The 2024 FIFA Best Awards are expected to receive votes from fans and an impartial panel. Up until December 2024, fans can vote on the FIFA website.

FIFA Best Awards Nominees

The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees
Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid
Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City
Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid
Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen
Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona
Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami
Rodri (Spain), Manchester City
Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)
Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Real Madrid

The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees
Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barcelona
Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona
Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona
Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City
Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City
Lindsey Horan (USA), Olympique Lyonnais
Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea
Mallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal
Naomi Girma (USA), San Diego Wave
Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona
Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona
Sophia Smith (USA), Portland Thorns
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais
Trinity Rodman (USA), Washington Spirit

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees
Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil
Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic
Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USA
Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan
Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City
Jonatan Giraldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit
Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC
Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/Chelsea

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina
Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain
Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City
Xabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer Leverkusen

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees
Alyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham
Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City
Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona
Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain

Source: Channels TV