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Ballon d’Or 2023: When Nominees Will Be Announced, Ceremony Date, Favourites To Win

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Football’s most prestigious prize, Ballon d’Or, brings together the finest and most impressive footballers over the past one year to celebrate their heroics that brought awe, joy and pride to millions of football fans across the world.

Former Real Madrid star, Karim Benzema reigns as the current winner of the coveted prize and will likely see his dominance ends when the 2023 edition takes place.

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Since the Frenchman won in 2022, epic football events have taken place from Lionel Messi leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, to Erling Haaland proving unstoppable by defenders in Europe as he guided Manchester City to their first ever European glory in the UEFA Champions League, not to forget Aitana Bonmati trailblazing performance pivotal to Spain being crowned world champions at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tension As Fire Guts Lagos Airport Building

It promises to be a fierce contest for the highly coveted award as fans bide their time to find out what the nomination list will comprise of and who the eventual winners will be.

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WHEN WILL THE BALLON D’OR 2023 NOMINEES BE ANNOUNCED?

The nominees list for the men’s Ballon d’Or, women’s Ballon d’Or, Yashin Trophy and Kopa Trophy will be announced on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

A 30-man shortlist is expected for the men’s Ballon d’Or, 20 players for the women’s list and 10 for the Yashin and Kopa awards – given to the best goalkeeper and Under-21 player, respectively.

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WHEN IS THE BALLON D’OR 2023 CEREMONY?

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30.

The winners of the Ballon d’Or 2023 will be announced on this day.

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WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES FOR THE MEN’S BALLON D’OR 2023?

Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are the top two favourites to scoop the men’s award following their heroics with Argentina and Manchester City respectively.

READ ALSO: PEPC: Obi Absent In court As Tribunal Delivers Judgement

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Vinicius Junior, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe and Rodri are other players also expected to feature prominently in the list.

Barcelona and Spain star Bonmati who was instrumental to the Spanish women’s national team glory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup is highly tipped to win the prize her teammate, Alexia Putellas won last year.

With a phenomenal performance at the tournament, playing in every game and serving as a cornerstone of coach Jorge Vilda’s side, Bonmati is a strong contender to succeed Putellas.

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Chelsea’s Sam Kerr is yet another likely winner having racked up 29 goals for Chelsea last season as they won a domestic double before featuring for the Matildas at the World Cup.
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Super Falcons Players Haven’t Received Promised $100,000, Captain Ajibade Reveals

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Super Falcons captain and forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, has expressed frustration over the delay in the payment of promised allowances and bonuses to the team.

She made this known during an appearance on the forthcoming episode of ‘With Chude’ hosted by popular on-air personality, Chude Jideonwo.

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Ajibade said the players had yet to receive the pledged $100,000 and other entitlements, despite repeated assurances from the relevant authorities.

We have not received our money oo. Please, they have not paid. All the promises you heard back and forth, we have not received anything,” she said.

READ ALSO:Super Falcons Coach Madugu Nominated For 2025 Ballon d’Or Award

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Ajibade added that the players had been informed the money had already been allocated but insisted nothing had reached them.

People are begging. We have not received it. When they pay it, you will see. Even our match bonuses and everything… everything is still a work in progress,” she lamented.

The 24-year-old urged the authorities to fulfill their promises, stressing that the delay was taking a toll on the players.

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Following the Super Falcons’ historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco, President Bola Tinubu had in July 2025 announced a cash reward of $100,000 for each player, along with other bonuses, as a token of appreciation for their achievement.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tinubu Confers National Honours On Super Falcons

Ajibade also stated that she played for FC Robo Queens in the Nigeria Women’s Football League for 10 years without receiving a salary.

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The Super Falcons captain described her spell playing football in the NWFL as “a tough moment”.

Ajibade added that she grew up in  compound of almost 100 people” in the Mushin area of Lagos and had to “wash people’s toilets and bathrooms for money”.

READ ALSO:WAFCON Final: Super Falcons Produce Stunning Comeback To Defeat Morocco, Win 10th Title

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The forward added that she grew up in “a compound of almost 100 people” in the Mushin area of Lagos and had to “wash people’s toilets and bathrooms for money”.

Ajibade came through the ranks of FC Robo Queens in Lagos and played for the team until she moved to Avaldsnes IL in Norway at the age of 17.

She then joined Atletico Madrid Feminino in 2021.

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Enabulele Celebrates Edo Deputy Governor on Birthday

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement issued on Monday through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele described Idahosa as a true democrat, a results-driven leader, and a high-flyer.

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You have continued to distinguish yourself in all your endeavours. Even as a young legislator, your impactful representation and laudable stewardship exemplify the true definition of a performer, earning you the admiration of many,” he said.

Enabulele further noted that Idahosa’s life is a testament to the importance of loyalty and respect, particularly in his current role as a supportive Deputy Governor. “You have stood firmly behind your boss, and that epitomizes true leadership,” he stated.

READ ALSO: Cristiano Ronaldo Officially Engaged, Set To Get Married

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As you celebrate another milestone, I join family, friends, and well-wishers across the globe in acknowledging your humility, commitment, and determination to ensure Edo State continues to rise under Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda,” Enabulele added.

He commended the Deputy Governor’s unwavering dedication to nation-building, his vision for a better Edo, and his commitment to advancing and safeguarding the interests of all Edo people, regardless of status or circumstance, describing these qualities as “worthy of emulation.”

We pray that Almighty God continues to grant you wisdom, good health, sound mind, happiness, and joy as you celebrate another year,” the statement concluded.

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Edo SWAN Felicitates Deputy Governor On Birth Anniversary

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‎The Leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State chapter, has felicitated with deputy governor of the state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on his birth anniversary.

A felicitation message jointly signed by Comrade Kehind Osagiede and Comrade Idahosa Moses, Edo SWAN Chairman and Secretary, on behalf of all sports writers in the state said, ‎”all of us at SWAN in Edo state are delighted over this milestone and wish that many more celebrations come your way now and always.”

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The duo, in the message, while describing the deputy governor as a man of “honour, candour and commitment to public good as you have aptly demonstrated in the task of sports and youths development in Edo state,” acknowledged his support and encouragement to the body since he assumed office.

READ ALSO: Use Edo By-election As Template For APC’s Victory In 2027, Idahosa Urges Residents

The message reads: “Your dedication to serving the people of Edo State and your insightful contributions to good governance is highly commendable

“‎Today, we celebrate a visionary leader who is propelling the sports sector to unprecedented heights.

“‎As you celebrate this special day, we wish Your Excellency good health and fulfillment in all your aspirations.”

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