Glo-CAF AWARDS: The trio of Mikel, Iheanacho, Musa nominated

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The trio of John Mikel Obi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa have been shortlisted for the 2016 edition  of the African Footballer of the Year Award.

The Super Eagles players are among a long list of players nominated by CAF, for the award, a winner will be announced on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at the Glo-CAF Awards night in Abuja.

Musa in the year the year in review won the Russian Premier League title with CSKA Moscow even as Mikel guided Nigeria’s Dream Team VI to bronze in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Kelechi Iheanacho celebrating a goal
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrating a goal

While Iheanacho missed out on the Premier League title with Manchester City, the Nigerian sensation won the League Cup with City in his first year with the senior team.

The 2015 winner of the player’s award, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be among the top contenders for the awards. it’s a no-show for Yaya Toure, the four-time winner has not been shortlisted for the 2016 edition of the prestigious award.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Samuel Eto’o  another Four-time winner of the award made a surprised entry having been shortlisted alongside, Serge Aurier, Gervinho, Mehdi Benatia and Kalidou Koulibaly.

Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez who is also favourite has been included alongside his compatriot, Islam Slimani.

Riyad Mahrez in action for Leicester
Riyad Mahrez in action for Leicester

These other African stars made the shortlist, Eric Bailly, Mohamed Elneny, Victor Wanyama, Yannick Bolasie, Sadio Mane and Wahbi Khazri.