The contenders for the crown are Ivorian duo, Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba, who are facing stiff opposition from Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel.
Toure has won the most prestigious individual honour in African football the last two years, 2011 and 2012; whilst Drogba picked up the coveted prize in 2006 and 2009.
However, 26-year old Mikel, who stars for English giants, Chelsea is hoping to gatecrash a third title ambition of the Ivorian duo. No Nigerian player has annexed the prize since ex-captain Nwankwo Kanu’s coronation in 1999. The latter was first crowned in 1996.
The Chelsea midfielder is Nigeria’s biggest hope of landing the elusive crown for the first time in more than a decade, but faces great competition from Drogba and Toure. He is the last Nigerian standing after an initial 10-man short list that included compatriots Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and goalie Vincent Enyeama.
Toure, who turns 31 in May has history on his side as he will become the second player after Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o to be crowned the foremost footballer on the continent three times in a row. Eto’o achieved the feat in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
At 35, Drogba continues to glow and wants to add to his rich list of honours after becoming the first Ivorian to win the award in 2006. A feat that will eventually pave the way for Toure, who will narrowly pip him to the crown last year.
The winner will be decided by votes from the Head Coaches or the Technical Directors affiliated to CAF.
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