FIVE Nigerians Who Could Make The 2016 Ballon D’or Shortlist

The fact that no Nigerian was named in the initial 59 man list for the 2015 Ballon D’or shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

The country’s top stars did not light up 2015 the same way they did in 2013. There was a nothing to suggest the national team had also made huge improvements over the past 12 months also.

But who can make the Ballon D’or list in 2016?

Some Nigerians might claim the country does not have the players to compete with the best as evidence by the lack of Nigerians playing at the top clubs on a regular basis.

But who can rub shoulders with the Neymar, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale of this world.

1. Kelechi Iheanacho: Al ready making a name for himself as one of the best young prospects in world football. Despite limited chances in the Premier League, Iheanacho has been impressive in the Capital One Cup where he has been given a chance to impress.

One match of the match performance, two goals and three assists in three matches is not a bad return for a player looking up to Sergio Aguero and Wilfried Bony (two players names in the initial 59 man list).

If Kelechi can continue his rise and truly explode in 2015, we can see him make the list the same way Paul Pogba did in 2013. A good performance at the Olympics (if taken) will also boost his chances.

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2. Odion Ighalo: With 8 goals already this season, Ighalo has been one of the best performers in the Premier League this season and his form could see him make the EPL team of the year. The former Udinese and Granada man will have to replicate his 20 goal performance of last season to have any chance of being named in the initial 59 shortlist for next year’s award.

3. Ahmed Musa: Probably the biggest Nigerian star on the world stage alongside the next name on this list. Musa has been linked to the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham in the past but nothing came to pass. The striker cum winger will have to produce the form of his life in the criminally overlooked Russian Premier League.

While no international competition to look up to in 2016 (except he is taken to the Olympics), Musa’s best hopes lie in producing his best in European competitions this season and next.

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4. Vincent Enyeama: Lille and Enyeama have begun the 2015/2016 season in poor form and has led to sacking of the club’s former manager. Enyeama was the only Nigerian with a rating above 80 (he was rated 81) in the latest release of the FIFA series of game; FIFA 16.

He is one of the most talented goalkeepers in the world and a good penalty taker also.

If Lille can regain its form this season and return to European competitions then there is every chance that the 2014 best African goal keeper in Ligue 1 can return to the elite.

5. Moses Simon: Prodigiously talented Moses Simon needs a big move to set the world alight after performing admirably under Sunday Oliseh so far.

if Moses Simon can work out a move to the big leagues and a team competing for honours, and work on his decison making, there is every chance he can be honoured when the 2015 Ballon D’or shortlist is announced.

Honorable mentions: Ogenyi Onazi, John Mikel Obi, Obafemi Martins, Dele Alli, Victor Moses.

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