Super Eagles: How Osimhen & Lookman can return to Ballon d’Or picture

Super Eagles duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been told what they must improve to return to the Ballon d’Or conversation by former Nigerian international Sam Sodje.

Both Nigerian stars have previously finished in the top 30 of the prestigious individual award but were absent from the 2026 edition, which was presented on Monday.

In this year’s ceremony, England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane won the award, becoming the first Englishman to claim the prize in 25 years. Only two African players, Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mane, finished inside the top 30, with Hakimi ranking 13th and Mane finishing joint 29th alongside Arsenal defender William Saliba.

Osimhen, though, remains the Nigerian player with the highest finish in Ballon d’Or history. The Galatasaray striker finished eighth in 2023, becoming the first Nigerian to break into the top 10, although that remains his only top-30 finish to date.

Lookman, meanwhile, finished 14th in 2024 after an outstanding year in which he scored a sensational hat-trick to help Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Europa League final. He was the only African player to make that year’s top 30.

HARRY KANE IS THE NEW BALLON D'OR! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/jEn8E1bLEF

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 26, 2026

With both players missing out on the latest shortlist, Sodje has explained what they need to improve to strengthen their chances of returning to the ranks of the world’s best players.

Sodje reveals what Osimhen and Lookman must do to challenge for Ballon d’Or

Speaking in an interview quoted by Footy-Africa, former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje said Nigerian players must improve their performances and benefit from stronger team displays to stand a chance of earning recognition at the highest level.

He acknowledged that the Ballon d’Or is an individual award but stressed that a player’s team performances also influence the outcome.

“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”, Sodje said.

1. Osimhen & Lookman must target improvement with Super Eagles 

One area Sodje believes could influence Osimhen and Lookman’s Ballon d’Or prospects is the performance of the Nigerian national team.

The Super Eagles have endured several disappointments in recent years. Although they finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, missing out after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African play-off final.

Sodje believes the national team’s struggles may have affected the chances of its leading players, especially when compared with African stars who have enjoyed success with their countries.

“I think the national team not doing well might have affected the players as well. They have not been in top form”, he added.

In contrast, Hakimi enjoyed an impressive Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Morocco, while Mane was named Player of the Tournament after helping Senegal win the competition. Both players finished inside the 2026 Ballon d’Or top 30.

2. Osimhen and Lookman must improve their form and consistency

Another area Sodje believes the Nigerian duo must address is their form and consistency.

Osimhen has continued to produce impressive performances for Galatasaray. The Super Eagles striker has also moved into the club’s top 10 all-time Süper Lig goalscorers, further underlining his impact since moving to Turkey.

However, maintaining that level throughout the season will be important if he hopes to return to the Ballon d’Or conversation. Injuries have interrupted his progress at different points, making consistent availability and performances crucial to his ambitions.

Galatasaray’s performances in European competition could also influence his chances. Although the Turkish giants remain competitive domestically, Osimhen may need more standout displays in the UEFA Champions League and other major competitions to strengthen his case against players competing at the highest level in Europe.

Sodje pointed to the importance of club performances when discussing the Super Eagles striker’s situation.

“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”, Sodje continued. 

“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.”

Lookman, meanwhile, has endured a slower start to the campaign at Atletico Madrid. After his impressive spell at Atalanta, the forward will need to rediscover his best form and deliver more consistent performances to strengthen his individual credentials.

Sodje acknowledged that neither player has consistently produced their best performances, while also pointing to the role confidence can play in a footballer’s form.

“Personally, they have not had their best performances or been in their best form. There are many factors.

“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”, he concluded.

Can Osimhen and Lookman return to the Ballon d’Or picture?

Sodje’s comments reveal that Osimhen and Lookman must combine individual excellence with stronger performances for their clubs and country if they hope to challenge for the Ballon d’Or again.

For Osimhen, maintaining his goalscoring form and producing decisive performances in the Champions League, while avoiding prolonged injury could strengthen his case. 

Lookman, on the other hand, will need to rediscover the form that made him one of Africa’s standout players in 2024. A stronger run of performances at Atletico Madrid could help him regain momentum and put himself back among the leading African contenders.

Both players will also hope Nigeria can improve its results in upcoming international fixtures, as success with the Super Eagles could further enhance their individual ambitions.

Osimhen will be back in action with Galatasaray against Konyaspor on Friday, while Lookman and Atletico Madrid are scheduled to face Levante on Saturday.