Agyemang Badu rivals Messi and Neymar

Emmanuel Agyemang Badu expects a tough battle for FIFA's Puskas Award 2012 as his goal rivals other strikes from Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The goal by the Udinese midfielder for Ghana against Guinea at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations is on the shortlist of ten goals for the award.


The annual celebration of great goals contains the best strikes from around the world, and was won last year by Brazilian superstar Neymar.


But Agyemang Badu is confident that his goal which has given Ghana a first-time presence on the shortlist can get the nod from fans who can vote for their favourite on the FIFA website.


"It came by surprise, I wasn’t expecting anything of the sort. Let’s just say the good work I have done so far is paying off. I am very happy and privileged for this opportunity. This will encourage me to push very hard in my carrier,” Agyemang Badu said.


“I believe I have a chance but it all depends on the votes and the category of selection of the winner. Competing with such great footballers is not going to be easy because I watched the goal Lionel Messi scored against Brazil, I saw the one Radamel Falcao scored, I saw Neymar’s goal as well and I think it will be difficult. But nothing is impossible so let’s keep praying and see what the good Lord will do.”

The award is named after Real Madrid and Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás, who tormented defenders the world over during the 1950s.


The eventual winner being announced at the Ballon d’Or 2012 gala in January.


Fans can vote for Emmanuel Agyemang Badu by visiting: http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/puskasaward/video=1846803/index.html


Nominees


1. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle) v Blackburn 2. Gaston Maella (Nacional Potosi) v The Strongest 3. Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid) v America de Cali 4. Olivia Jimenez (Mexico) v Switzerland 5. Lionel Messi (Argentina) v Brazil 6. Moussa Sow (Fenerbahce) v Galatasaray 7. Miroslav Stoch (Fenerbahce) v Genclerbirligi 8. Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Ghana) v Guinea 9. Eric Hassli (Vancouver) v Toronto 10. Neymar (Santos) v Internacional