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Two Nigerians, John Mikel Obi and Mercy Akide, have been named on panel of experts for the 2023 FIFA Best Football Awards.
Mikel, a former Super Eagles captain, and Akide, who was once a prolific striker with the Super Falcons, are among the 30-man panel that shortlisted the various candidates for the 2023 FIFA Best Football Awards.
Mikel is among the 11 that shortlisted the nominees for the men’s category while his compatriot, Akide, is among the 11 members in the women’s category.
Members of the 2023 FIFA Best Football Awards Panel:
Mercy Akide (Nigeria), Petr Cech (Czechia), DaMarcus Beasley (USA), Shirley Cruz (Costa Rica), Didier Drogba (Cõte d’Ivoire), Heather Garriock (Australia), Amy Duggan (Australia), Brett Emerton (Australia), and Maia Jackman (New Zealand).
Others are Isabella Echeverri (Colombia), Rio Ferdinand (England), Carmelina Moscato (Canada), Mia Hamm (USA), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Roque Junior (Brazil), Jessica Houara (France), Kaká (Brazil), and Roque Santa Cruz (Paraguay).
Other members include Mana Iwabuchi (Japan), Mario Kempes (Argentina), Jean Sseninde (Uganda), Manon Melis (Netherlands), Alexi Lalas (USA), Ian Wright (England), Patrizia Panico (Italy), and John Obi Mikel (Nigeria).
More members of the 2023 FIFA Best Football Awards Panel are Clémentine Touré (Ivory Coast), Park Ji-Sung (Korea Republic), Kirsty Yallop (New Zealand), and Ivan Vicelich (New Zealand).