Osimhen battles Messi, Ronaldo for IFFHS award

Striker Victor Osimhen has been shortlisted for the best player award in the men's category by International Federation of Football History and Statistics for 2023, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian is up against reigning Ballon d'Or winner and holder of the IFFHS award Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Antoine Griezman and Bukayo Saka.

The list also includes Vinicius Jnr, Mohamed Salah, Martin Odegaard, Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne and Jude Bellingham.

Others are Rúben Dias, İlkay Gündoğan, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kim Min-jae, Lautaro Martínez, Nicolo Barella, Jamal Musiala, Bruno Fernandes, Romelu Lukaku, Alphonso Davies and German Cano.

Osimhen, who finished eighth in the 2023 men's Ballon d'Or award, was impressive for Napoli last season playing a pivotal role as the Partenopei won the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years.

The 24-year-old also finished top scorer in the Italian topflight league with 26 goals, becoming the first African to achieve the feat.

He was also named Italian Footballers' Association Serie A Player of The Year for the 2022/23 season.

Meanwhile, other categories for the 2023 IFFHS award include best playmaker, best goalkeeper, best national coach, best club coach and best referee.

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