Ballon d'Or: Sam Sodje reveals what Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are missing

Former Nigerian defender Sam Sodje believes individual talent has not been enough to win the Ballon d’Or in recent years. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman therefore need to rely on more convincing team performances and show greater consistency.

For the 2026 Ballon d'Or, the absence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from the 30 nominees has reignited the debate over their place in the hierarchy of world football. According to Sam Sodje, the former Nigerian defender who notably played for Brentford, both forwards still have what it takes to return to the race. This will require them to rediscover their best form and benefit from a stronger team.

Sam Sodje wants consistency and confidence

In an interview with Footy-Africa, former Nigeria international Sam Sodje first highlighted the importance of team results in the awarding of football’s most prestigious individual prize. "I know the Ballon d’Or is an individual award, but football in general is not individual. It depends on your team’s performance. I think the poor performances of the national team may also have affected the players. They have not been at their best."

He continued: "Osimhen is playing well, but he is in Turkey, and his team is not among the best clubs in the Champions League or in other competitions. They are doing well, but that simply proves that, to win the Ballon d’Or, the whole team has to play well."

Sam Sodje went on to stress the importance of confidence, consistency and the ability to maintain a high level of performance over time. "Personally, I don’t think they have produced their best performances or been at the peak of their form. There are many factors to take into account. I have been playing for a long time, so I know that confidence enables you to put in a good performance or enjoy a good spell. They cannot dwell on it. They simply have to continue working hard. When your country performs well, it helps," he concluded.

Also read: 2026 Ballon d'Or: Thomas Müller sends a message to Harry Kane

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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