BARCELONA, Spain – Asisat Oshoala, the Nigerian Super Falcons’ star and Barcelona forward, has been nominated for the esteemed Socrates Award as part of the 2023 Ballon d’Or honours.
France Football, the award’s organizer, publicized the news on their official Twitter account on Friday, July 7, 2023.
This award, bearing the name of the legendary Brazilian footballer Socrates, lauds the remarkable acts of solidarity carried out by football professionals.
Oshoala was spotlighted for her commendable work in setting up a football academy within her home community.
France Football stated on its social media, “Oshoala Academy strives to provide its beneficiaries with access to both high-quality football training and life skill education.”
Here are all our #SocratesAward with @peaceandsport nominees! 👊✨
Alex Morgan
Asisat Oshoala
Marcus Rashford
Antonio Rüdiger
Vinícius Júnior#ballondor #PrixSocrates pic.twitter.com/GyTzgLwl0W— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) July 7, 2023
The organization further emphasized the profound influence of the academy in empowering young females through sports.
It praised how the initiative is transforming its beneficiaries into role models and ambassadors within their communities.
Oshoala, who currently holds the title of African Women’s Player of the Year and was also a Ballon d’Or nominee in 2022, joins four other individuals nominated for the Socrates Award this year.
The list includes Vinicius Jnr (Brazil/Real Madrid), Antonio Rudiger (Germany/Real Madrid), Marcus Rashford (England/Manchester United), and Alex Morgan (USA/San Diego Wave).
France Football is set to announce nominees for the other Ballon d’Or categories – men, women, Yachine Trophy, and Kopa Trophy – on September 6, 2023.
Currently, Oshoala is in Australia preparing for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup with the Super Falcons.
The Nigerian squad, grouped in Group B, will confront Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland in the tournament’s group stages.
The much-anticipated World Cup is slated to be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
This nomination is testament to Oshoala’s skill on the football pitch and her meaningful contribution off it, making a substantial impact within her community.
