Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has emphasised that he doesn’t dwell on those who fail to appreciate his outstanding 2022–2023 performance.
Instead, he gives credit to fellow players.
The Napoli forward expressed apparent disappointment when none of the African representatives on the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting panel selected him as their first choice.
During a conversation with former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi, the top scorer in Serie A among Africans asserted that, despite not being the favoured choice for African voters, he secured an 8th position in the rankings.
“What you said I just saw it today, this morning. A friend of mine just showed it to me. I feel like, for me, everyone is entitled to their opinion and this is what I always believed. No one can deny the effort that I put in last season. No one can downplay what I did.
“I feel like at the end of the day, I came 8th. Even if I came 8th or 10th or 11th, I think I’ve done so much for myself to get the recognition and the one I’ll continue to have. So for me, It doesn’t really change anything.”
He added that he gives no attention to people who do not acknowledge his efforts; hence, he does not dwell on such issues.
“They can vote for who they like because for me it is all love. I don’t take these things into consideration. I focus on the people that love me so much…wholeheartedly.
“The ones that support me, the ones that defend me and everything. My family, my friends—these are the things that really matter to me. Not the ones that try to downplay what I’ve worked for, the season that I had, and then put the credit on another man.”
A panel of 100 journalists from diverse countries was selected to cast their votes for the 30 players shortlisted for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Journalists are chosen based on FIFA’s rankings, with one representative from each of the top 100 ranked nations granted a vote.
In the voting process, each journalist selects their top five players, with the first receiving six points, the second earning four, the third gaining three, the fourth securing two, and the fifth obtaining one point.
The three players accumulating the highest points form the top three shortlist, with the player garnering the highest points ultimately winning the award.
Representing Ghana, Michael Oti Adjei from TV3 network cast his vote, while Samm Audu from scorenigeria voted on behalf of Nigeria.
Oti Adjei’s top five choices were Erling Haaland, Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, and Victor Osimhen. On the other hand, Audu voted for Messi, Haaland, Mbappe, Osimhen, and Jude Bellingham.