Agyemang-Badu celebrating wonder strike against Guinea at 2012 AFCON

By Ameenu Shardow

Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu believes he stands a good chance of winning the FIFA Goal of the Year award.

The 21-year-old’s sweetly struck volley outside the penalty area in the 1-1 draw with Guinea at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations has been shortlisted alongside nine others for the prestigious FIFA Puskas Award.

The Udinese midfielder is competing alongside Argentine great Lionel Messi, Neymar and Radamel Falcao for the annual accolade which will be revealed at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala on January 7, 2013.

And the 2009 U-20 World Cup winner appears very upbeat of his chances of beating the other competing goals in the category.

“All depends on God. I’ve watched Neymar’s goal, I’ve watched Falcao’s goal and the others, it’s going to be difficult but everything is possible,” he said.

“So I’m praying for everybody who can vote to vote for me.”

The former Berekum Arsenals player is also looking to use the nomination to further boost his gradually thriving career as a professional footballer.

“The good work that I’ve been doing is paying now. I thank God and I’m grateful for this nomination,” he adds.

“It’s a surprise, I didn’t expect it. This definitely will motivate me for the rest of my career. “

Fans are being urged to vote for Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu when they log onto the link below: http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/puskasaward/index.html