FIFA Best Awards 2023: Nigeria legends named on panel of experts

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria legendary duo of John Mikel Obi and Mercy Akide have been included in the panel of experts for the 2023 FIFA Best football awards.

Mikel and Akide had illustrious careers that spanned over a decade, winning laurels at the international stage and club levels.

The Nigeria duo were part of the 30 FIFA panelists that shortlisted the nominees for the FIFA Best Awards.

Former Super Eagles skipper Mikel is among the 11 football legends that shortlisted for the Men’s Best Player Award, while ex Super Falcons goal poacher, Akide is also part of the 11 great players to shortlist for the 11 Best Women’s Player Award.

Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen is the only Nigerian to be nominated in the FIFA Best Player Award after having a stellar season in the Serie A by scooping the highest goal scorer award and helping the Partenopei win the Scudetto title after 33 years.

Mikel had a trophy laden career by winning 11 trophies at club level which majorly centered around his time at Chelsea.

Akide was known for her pace and goal scoring prowess during her active professional football career which she won the Women Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) numerous times and she was part of the Super Falcons squad to the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup where Brazil knocked them out in the quarter final through the golden goal rule.

She has taken up coaching roles in the USA after her retirement from professional football.