Asisat Oshoala: Africa’s best snubbed as FIFA releases The Best Award nominees

Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala was left out again from the list of best women’s football players as FIFA announced its nominees for the 2022 The Best FIFA Football Awards.

The list was announced on Thursday, with voting opening straight away and running through until February 3 before the winner is announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony.

Oshoala created a record in 2022 by becoming the first African woman to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or award, finishing 16th in the overall ranking with teammate Alexia Putellas winning it for a second consecutive time.

The Barcelona forward also in 2022, became the first African player – male or female – to win the continent’s footballer of the year award five times in their career.

However, her teammate Alexia Putellas is nominated for the women’s award despite being out for the last six months due to injury. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder won the award last year and retained the Ballon d’Or in October.

A public vote, open until February 3, will decide the three finalists in each category before the winner is then voted for by a jury made up of national team coaches and captains as well as journalists and fans.

The awards ceremony will take place on27 February 2023, in Zurich in Switzerland. For the first time since January 2020, guests will be able to attend the event in person rather than virtually (due to the covid-19 pandemic).

Full List of Nominees:

Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / FC Barcelona)

Debinha (Brazil / North Carolina Courage)

Jessie Fleming (Canada / Chelsea FC Women)

Ada Hegerberg (Norway / Olympique Lyonnais)

Sam Kerr (Australia / Chelsea FC Women)

Beth Mead (England / Arsenal WFC)

Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands / Arsenal WFC)

Alex Morgan (USA / Orlando Pride / San Diego Wave)

Lena Oberdorf (Germany / VfL Wolfsburg)

Alexandra Popp (Germany / VfL Wolfsburg)

Alexia Putellas (Spain / FC Barcelona)

Wendie Renard (France / Olympique Lyonnais)

Keira Walsh (England / Manchester City WFC / FC Barcelona)

Leah Williamson (England / Arsenal WFC)