Paul Onuachu has been nominated for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award, celebrating the most aesthetically pleasing goal of the year, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Southampton star enters the history books as the first Nigerian player to be shortlisted for the FIFA Best Goal Award instituted in 2009.
His breathtaking flying backheel for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Süper Lig has earned a spot among the elite nominees for the 2024 accolade.
The stunning strike came in the 85th minute of a tense league match.
With Enis Destan delivering a pinpoint cross from the left, Onuachu defied gravity, twisting mid-air to unleash an improvised backheel finish that soared past the helpless goalkeeper, securing a vital victory.
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Now at Southampton, following a loan stint at Trabzonspor, Onuachu faces stiff competition for the award.
Contenders include Alejandro Garnacho’s acrobatic overhead kick for Manchester United and Mohammed Kudus’ mesmerizing solo effort for West Ham against Freiburg.
Onuachu is not the only Nigerian making waves at FIFA’s The Best Awards.
Atalanta BC forward Ademola Lookman is a finalist for the Best Attacker award, while Al-Kholood’s William Troost-Ekong contends for Best Defender.
Both players were instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, scoring three goals each.
Troost-Ekong was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, and Lookman is tipped to claim Africa’s Footballer of the Year crown.
The FIFA Puskás Award voting is now open, giving fans a chance to support Onuachu’s historic nomination.