Victor Osimhen reacts to the absence of African support in 2023 Ballon d’Or

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In the wake of Lionel Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or win, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has expressed his resilience and gratitude, despite no African country casting a vote in his favor for the prestigious award.

The awards ceremony, held in Paris on October 30, 2023, saw Messi triumph over competitors like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Osimhen, who secured the eighth spot in the final rankings, acknowledged the surprising absence of votes from his home country, Nigeria, and the entire African continent.

In a recent interview on the ObiOne podcast, Osimhen addressed the issue with a positive outlook, stating, “For me, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No one can deny the effort that I put in last season. No one can try to downplay my performance last season.”

The Nigerian forward, who played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph and emerged as the top scorer in Italy, emphasised his focus on personal growth and the support he receives from those closest to him.

“Even if I came tenth or eleventh, I think I have done so much for myself to get the recognition I am having, or the one I will continue to have,” Osimhen added.

Remaining unfazed by the voting outcome, Osimhen stressed the significance of those who appreciate and support him wholeheartedly, including his family and friends. He conveyed a message of positivity, emphasising that the recognition he seeks comes from those who truly understand and value his contributions to the field.

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