Gangling and free scoring RC Genk of Belgium forward Paul Onuachu has been shortlisted for the Baller of the year award alongside Napoli of Italy forward, Victor Osimhen and the Rangers duo of midfielder Joe Aribo and defender Leon Balogun.
For the women’s category, FC Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala expectedly topped the list of three nominees for the female baller of the year. The other two are Rasheedat Ajibade who also plays in Spain for Atletico Madrid women’s team and Uchenna Kanu of Swedish club Linköpings.
The baller of the year is the award given to the best male and best female footballer of the year. In the other categories, Balogun tops the list of four nominees for defender of the year. Others are Zaidu Sanusi of FC Porto, Ola Aina of Fulham FC of England and another Portugal based defender, Chigozie Awaziem who plays for Benfica.
Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi tops the nominees for midfielder of the year where he will battle for the award with Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, Rangers’ Aribo and FC Copehagen’s Frank Onyeka.
Super Eagles first choice goalie Maduka Okoye will compete in two categories: goalkeeper of the year where he will slug it out with two others Daniel Akpeyi and Mathew Yakubu and of course revelation of the year where he will be contesting against Noni Madueke, Tolu Arokodare and Saidu Sanusi.
Group Managing Director at Complete Communications Limited, Dr. Mumini Alao will be the recipient of the Industry Icon of the year award for his immense contribution towards sports journalism over the years.
The fan favorite footballer and the journalist of the year category winner will be decided by inputs from public votes while winners in other categories will be chosen by a jury consisting of seasoned journalists and football administrators including Deji Omotoyinbo, Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke, Emeka Enyadike, Florence Omagbemi, Segun Agbede, Koye Sowemimo, Akinbode Oguntuyi, Colin Udoh and Edafe Mathew Eseoghene.
Voting for the public nominations opened from 21st January 2021 and will be closed on 1st February 2021. Winners will be revealed on 7th February 2021 at the Ballers Awards ceremony which will be held by virtual means due to COVID 19 protocols. It will be streamed live on select TV stations and online.
The award ceremony will be hosted by popular on-air personality and broadcast journalist Nedu Wazobia. A string of other celebrities will also feature at the ceremony.