Former Nigeria and Brentford defender Sam Sodje, in an exclusive interview with Africafoot, has stated that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman need stronger team performances and greater consistency if they are to return to contention for football’s biggest individual award.
Sodje also believes the fortunes of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman at club and international level could play a significant role in their hopes of returning to the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Osimhen and Lookman have both earned recognition among the world’s leading players in recent years, with the former finishing eighth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings and Lookman placing 14th in 2024.
However, neither Nigerian featured among the 30 nominees for the 2026 men’s award, prompting questions about what they need to change to regain their place among football’s elite.
😘🌕 #ballondor https://t.co/8k8SS36DlQ
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 26, 2026
Speaking exclusively to Africafoot, Sodje argued that individual brilliance alone is not always enough to secure the sport’s most prestigious individual honour.
“I know the Ballon d’Or is an individual award, but football in general is not individual. It depends on how your team is playing,” Sodje said.
“I think the national team not doing well might have affected the players as well. They have not been in top form.”
Osimhen has continued his career with Turkish champions Galatasaray after leaving Napoli, while Lookman has faced uncertainty over his club future following his spell at Atalanta.
Sodje believes a player’s environment and the performances of his team can influence how his individual achievements are viewed.
“Osimhen has been playing well, but he is in Turkey, and his team has not been among the best clubs in the Champions League or other competitions,” he said.
“They are doing well, but it just shows you that, when it comes to the Ballon d’Or, your team needs to be playing well.”
THE 2026 RANKING FOR THE MEN’S BALLON D’OR IS OUT! #ballondor https://t.co/LYfoOUJf5j
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 26, 2026
The former defender also pointed to confidence and consistency as important factors, insisting that the Nigerian duo must continue working hard despite missing out on this year’s recognition.
“Personally, they have not had their best performances or been in their best form. There are many factors,” he added.
“I have played the game for a long time, so I know that when confidence comes in, you can have a good game or a good period. They cannot regret it. They just have to keep working hard. When your country is doing well, it does help.”
Sodje surprised by Hakimi’s Ballon d’Or position
Sodje also expressed surprise at Achraf Hakimi’s position in the Ballon d’Or discussion, given the Paris Saint-Germain defender’s performances for club and country.
Hakimi has been a key figure for PSG and Morocco, whose recent achievements have strengthened the country’s standing in international football.
However, Sodje said an extended spell on the sidelines through injury could have affected Hakimi’s individual case, despite the success enjoyed by his teams.
“I was surprised that he was not there, but let’s be clear: there is nothing hidden about it. He was injured for a while and missed so many games,” Sodje said. “Yes, the country played well, but remember, I think he missed the first two games at the World Cup. He came into the squad during the tournament.“
“Individually, he had been out of the game. His country did well and his club was doing well, but he was injured. So I don’t think there was any trick to it.”
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Despite his surprise at Hakimi’s omission from the leading positions, Sodje said the defender’s injury record during the period under consideration offered a reasonable explanation.
“I was very surprised he was not on the list, considering how his club and country performed at the World Cup and in the Champions League. But, individually, I think his injury explains it, so fair enough that he was not included.”
Liberia’s George Weah remains the only African player to have won the men’s Ballon d’Or, claiming the award in 1995. Senegal forward Sadio Mane finished second in 2022, while Osimhen’s eighth-place finish in 2023 remains the best result by a Nigerian player.
