Glo-CAF award: Mikel battles Toure, Drogba for Player of the Year award

THE coast is becoming clearer for Nigerian international John  Mikel Obi to become the 2013 African Player of the Year but with Ivorien duo of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba to contend with.
The  Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday announced the final three nominees for the prestigious award billed for January 9 at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
Both Drogba and Toure have won the trophy twice while Mikel is being shortlisted among the Top Three for the first time.
Analysts however, believe that it is going to be a straight battle between Mikel and reigning African king, Toure who plays for Manchester City as Drogba could only have less to prove in terms of achievements in the outgoing year in the colours of Galatasary of Turkey. Though Drogba singlehandedly delivered the Emirate Cup for his Turkish side with two late strikes against Arsenal; after a disappointing quarter-final finish of Cote d'Ivoire in the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa.
Mikel on the other hand helped Chelsea to win the 2013 Europa Cup while he played a key role in the Super Eagles' victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He also proved his mettle during the FIFA Confederation Cup in Brazil which he capped with a spectacular goal in the 1-2 loss to Uruguay.
The former Lyn Oslo of Norway player was also instrumental to Nigeria's qualification for the 2014 World Cup with his sheer brilliance.
Given the voting pattern that is synonymous with the CAF Player of the Year award, the Francophone influence remains the fear of many soccer-loving Nigerians as Mikel is the only ambassador from the Anglophone zone left in the race.
However, Nigeria's Sunday Mba looks highly placed to win the Player of the Year award, Africa based as CAF named him alongside  Mohamed Aboutreika and Ahmed Fathy also of Al-Ahly of Egypt for the coveted award.
Mba also shortlisted among the 25 footballers for the 2013 Player of the Year award it will be recalled emerged the 24th best in the 'Goal 50 award' for the best 50 players in the world won by Lionel Messi.
Mba's goal in the final of the 2013 AFCON against Burkina Faso was also rated by the world soccer-governing body (FIFA) on its website as one of the unforgettable and memorable moments of 2013.

Caption: Mikel Obi
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