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Tag: CAF Award

  • CAF Award: Imo govt congratulates Nnadozie

    CAF Award: Imo govt congratulates Nnadozie

    The Imo Government has congratulated Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on winning a second consecutive African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

    This is contained in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Sports Development, Obinna Onyeocha, in Owerri, on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award was presented to Nnadozie during the CAF Footballer of the Year ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.

    Onyeocha commended Nnadozie’s consistency and outstanding performances, which he said had continued to bring pride to Imo and Nigeria.

    The commissioner highlighted Nnadozie’s heroic displays during the past football season, which earned her recognition as one of Africa’s finest athletes.

     Onyeocha praised the goalkeeper for her dedication and encouraged her to remain resilient in spite of narrowly missing out on the Women’s Footballer of the Year Award.

    He recalled her exceptional form which led to an earlier reception by the Gov. Hope Uzodimma, who hosted Nnadozie alongside other Super Falcons players from the state.

    He also celebrated Nnadozie’s rise from playing for Heartland Queens of Owerri to becoming one of the most renowned footballers in Africa and globally.

    The commissioner lauded the role of Chinedu Iwu, who discovered and nurtured her talent, and urged the goalkeeper to continue striving for excellence.

     “Your dedication and achievements inspire young athletes across the state and nation, so we urge you to keep the flag of Imo and Nigeria flying high,” he said.

    He  extended his felicitations to Ademola Lookman, who won the African Men’s Footballer of the Year Award in a row after Victor Osimhen claimed the award in 2023.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Nnadozie wins women best goalkeeper of the year at CAF Awards

    Onyeocha expressed pride in Nigeria’s rising prominence in international football, attributing the successes to the talents and resilience of the nation’s players.

     He reaffirmed Uzodimma’s commitment to supporting sports development and nurturing local talents.

    The commissioner called on young athletes to draw inspiration from the achievements of Nnadozie and Lookman.

    According to him, hard work and perseverance are keys to global recognition.

    (NAN)

  • FULL LIST: Lookman, 5 other Nigerians who have won CAF Award

    FULL LIST: Lookman, 5 other Nigerians who have won CAF Award

    Ademola Lookman’s victory on Monday, December 16, as the African Footballer of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards in Morocco has placed him among the elite ranks of Nigerian football stars who have earned this prestigious accolade.

    Over the years, several Nigerian players have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to African football, cementing the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in the sport. 

    Here’s is a list of Nigerians who have won the prestigious CAF Award:

    Ademola Lookman – 2024

    Ademola Lookman was decleared 2024 CAF Footballer of the Year in Morocco, making it Back-to-back win for Nigeria, first time since 1996-1997 when Kanu and Ikpeba won it.

    Ademola Lookman who was instrumental in NIgeria’s 2023 AFCON score two goals to secure Nigeria’s quarter-final spot, and his decisive goal against Angola in the quarterfinals propelled Nigeria to the semifinals.

    His stellar performance at club level ending a 117-year European title draught for Atalanta scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League final in the placed him at significant advantage ahead of other competitors.

    Victor Osimhen — 2023

    After a 24-year drought, Victor Osimhen ended Nigeria’s long wait for a CAF Footballer of the Year award by winning it in 2023. Osimhen achieved what the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel could not, with his exceptional performances for Napoli, including a league-best 26 goals, helping the Italian club secure their first Serie A title in 33 years.

    Osimhen’s success extended beyond club football, as he earned international recognition by finishing eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings and receiving a nomination for FIFA’s The Best awards in 2023. He claimed the CAF African Men’s Footballer of the Year award with a convincing win, edging out Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah for the honor.

    Nwankwo Kanu — 1996, 1999

    Nwankwo Kanu stands as a distinctive figure in Nigerian football history, being the only Nigerian to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award twice. His first win came in 1996, after leading Nigeria to Olympic gold in Atlanta. Kanu played a pivotal role for the Dream Team, scoring crucial goals, including two unforgettable strikes against Brazil in the semi-finals.

    Kanu’s second CAF Footballer of the Year award in 1999 followed a successful period with Arsenal in the English Premier League, where he excelled for the Gunners despite grappling with a heart condition for much of the previous year, earning him a well-deserved second accolade.

    In 1997, Kanu won his first award, defeating George Weah and Daniel Amokachi, and in 1999, he claimed his second title, overcoming Samuel Kuffour and Ibrahima Bakayoko.

    Victor Ikpeba — 1997

    In 1997, Victor Ikpeba, the “Prince of Monaco,” became the fourth Nigerian to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award. At just 24 years old, his outstanding performances with AS Monaco in the French Ligue 1 earned him the prestigious honor, beating out two of his teammates—Chad’s Japhet N’Doram, also a Monaco player, and Super Eagles star Taribo West.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ademola Lookman wins 2024 African Footballer of the Year Award

    Ikpeba scored 26 goals in all competitions during the 1996/97 season, playing a key role in Monaco’s league and cup double. His remarkable performances in the UEFA Cup, where he finished as the second-highest scorer, further cemented his case for the CAF Player of the Year award.

    Emmanuel Amuneke — 1994

    Emmanuel Amuneke helped Nigeria retain the CAF Footballer of the Year award the following year with exceptional performances both at home and abroad. His crucial two goals in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Zambia led Nigeria to its first continental title in 14 years. Amuneke also played a pivotal role in guiding the Super Eagles to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup in the same year.

    Amuneke was also a standout performer for the Super Eagles at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, scoring goals against Bulgaria and Italy to further demonstrate his exceptional ability. His impressive performances earned him the 1994 CAF Player of the Year award, ahead of Liberian icon George Weah and fellow Nigerian star Rashidi Yekini.

    Rashidi Yekini — 1993

    Rashidi Yekini made history in Nigerian football by becoming the first Super Eagles player to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award in 1993. Renowned for his powerful shots and clinical finishing, Yekini’s remarkable form was on full display during the 1992 African Cup of Nations, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer and played a key role in Nigeria’s bronze medal victory.

    Yekini’s impact also extended to the Portuguese league with Vitória Setúbal, where he netted an incredible 30 goals in 30 matches during the 1992/93 season, a performance that earned him the prestigious CAF African Footballer of the Year award. His legacy in Nigerian football is unparalleled, as he remains the country’s all-time top scorer. This achievement marked the start of Nigeria’s prominent recognition on the African football stage.

  • CAF Award: Will Lookman win or face injustice?

    CAF Award: Will Lookman win or face injustice?

    The CAF Player of the Year award is the most prestigious individual honor in African football, celebrating the continent’s top talents.

    Despite its anticipation, the award ceremony has often faced controversy and assertions of favoritism, with some claiming it overlooks deserving talents.

    Ademola Lookman for Nigeria

    Ademola Lookman, Nigeria and Atalanta’s goal poacher hopes to hear his name announced as the winner tonight. Lookman has been outstanding and a player of grit.

    His two goals secured Nigeria’s quarter-final spot during the 2023 AFCON, and his decisive goal against Angola in the quarterfinals propelled Nigeria to the semifinals.

     This stellar performance made Lookman Nigeria’s top scorer in the tournament, earning him significant praise for his contributions in the knockout stages.

    Ademola Lookman for Atalanta

    Lookman has been a key player for Atalanta in Serie A and European competitions. In the 2023/2024 season, he showcased his attacking brilliance, contributing significantly with goals and assists. His adaptability, work rate, and ability to produce game-changing moments have been crucial for Atalanta, particularly in high-stakes matches.

    Lookman scored a remarkable hat-trick in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League final, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen and their first European title. This victory marked Atalanta’s first-ever major continental honor in their 117-year history.

    He scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions for Atalanta during the 2023/2024 season.

    Ademola Lookman’s consistency and versatility

    Lookman’s ability to perform consistently at both club and international levels highlights his exceptional talent. Whether playing as a winger or forward, he excels in delivering goals, creating opportunities, and supporting defensive responsibilities when needed.

    This versatility sets him apart from other contenders. As of December 10, 2024, Lookman has scored 13 goals and made 5 assists for both club and country.

    Club: 12 goals in the Champions League, UEFA Supercup, Serie A, and friendlies

    National team: 1 goal in friendlies

    If consistency, impact in major tournaments, and club achievements are key criteria for the award, Ademola Lookman’s performances place him among the top contenders for the African Player of the Year award.

    Rumors of Achraf Hakimi To Be Named Winner

    Rumors of Achraf Hakimi potentially being crowned the 2024 winner ahead of Ademola Lookman is currently circulating like fire in harmattan.

    Hakimi’s excellent performance can only be attributed to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) where he secured domestic titles such as Ligue 1 and the French Super Cup

    However, the early exit of Morocco in the 2023 AFCON places him at great disadvantage to winning the articulate award.

    Arguably, Hakimi doesn’t seem to have to complete criteria to win the title.

    The only way Hakimi’s name will be revealed as the winner depends on the weight given to tournament achievements versus consistent performances across the season.

    Players Who Arguably Have Been Robbed Of CAF POTY Award

    Austin Jay-Jay Okocha – 1998

    Read Also: All eyes on Lookman as 2024 CAF Awards hold in Marrakech 

    Sammy Kuffour – 1999

    Mohamed Aboutrika – 2008

    The CAF awarding committee, notably having blood on their hands and will be at the center of intense scrutiny, with all eyes on them for any errors or controversies that may arise.

    Will Ademola Lookman be crowned Africa Player of The Year?

    Be there!

    2024 CAF Awards

    Date: Monday, December 16, 2024

    Venue: Palais des Congres, Marrakech, Morocco

    Time: 7 PM local time (18:00 GMT / 19:00 WAT / 20:00 CAT / 21:00 EAT)

    How to watch CAF Awards

    CAF’s YouTube channel: CAF TV

    SuperSports

  • CAF Awards 2023: Nigeria’s Oshoala, others make preliminary shortlist for women’s categories

    CAF Awards 2023: Nigeria’s Oshoala, others make preliminary shortlist for women’s categories

    Nigeria and Barcelona FC’s Asisat Oshoala was amongst other preliminary nominees shortlisted by CAF for the various women’s categories for the CAF Awards 2023.

    A statement on the CAF website on Tuesday,  said a  panel made up of CAF Technical Experts, Legends, and selected media representatives decided on the nominees.

    It said they took into consideration their performances at all levels from December 2022 to November 2023.

    “Just as in the men’s category, the best women’s goalkeeper will be rewarded for the first time to celebrate the heroic efforts of the shot-stoppers.

    “10 players have been nominated for the first-ever CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

    “In the other categories, 30 players will vie for the prestigious Player of the Year, which Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala claimed for a record fifth time.

    “This was during the last Awards Gala in July 2022 in Rabat, Morocco,” it said.

    It added that 10 nominees each had been penciled for the Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

    It explained that the Young Player of the Year award was limited to players not more than 21 years.

    It added that the finalists of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League Cote d’Ivoire 2023 had each been rewarded with a place in the Club of the Year category.

    “The winner of each category will be decided after votes from a voting panel.

    “The panel consists of CAF Technical Committee, media professionals from Member Associations, Head Coaches and Captains of Member.

    ” Others are associations and clubs involved at the group stages of the Interclub competitions.

    “The Awards Gala is to be graced by the crème de la crème of African football on 11 December 2023 in Marrakech, Morocco,” it said.

    Full List of Nominees (in alphabetic order by Member Association):

    Player of the Year (Women)

    1.     Ajara Nchout Njoya (Cameroon, Internazionale Milano)

    2.     Evelyn Badu (Ghana, Avaldnes)

    3.     Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain)

    4.     Temwa Chawinga (Malawi, Wuhan Jiangda)

    5.     Anissa Lahmari (Morocco, Levante Las Planas)

    6.     Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)

    7.     Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco, AS FAR)

    8.     Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco, AS FAR/Al Ahli)

    9.     Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco, AS FAR)

    10.  Zenatha Coleman (Namibia, Fenerbahce)

    11.  Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)

    12.  Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)

    13.  Christy Ucheibe (Nigeria, Benfica)

    14.  Osinachi Ohale (Nigeria, Alaves/Pachuca)

    15.  Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria, Atletico Madrid)

    16.  Toni Payne (Nigeria, Sevilla)

    17.  Uchenna Kanu (Nigeria, Tigres/Racing Louisville)

    18.  Ndeye Awa Diakhaté (Senegal, Olympique de Marseille)

    19.  Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    20.  Hilda Magaia (South Africa, Sejong Sportstoto)

    21.  Jermaine Seoposenwe (South Africa, Juarez/Monterrey)

    22.  Linda Motlhalo (South Africa, Glasgow City)

    23.  Refiloe Jane (South Africa, Sassuolo)

    24.  Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa, Racing Louisville)

    25.  Afi Sabine Woedikou (Togo, Strasbourg/Nantes)

    26.  Sabrina Ellouzi (Tunisia, Excelsior)

    27.  Fazila Ikwaput (Uganda, Kampala Queens)

    28.  Barbara Banda (Zambia, Shanghai Shengli)

    29.  Grace Chanda (Zambia, Madrid CFF)

    30.  Rachael Kundananji (Zambia, Madrid CFF)

    Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)

    1.     Ange Bawou (Cameroon, Bayelsa Queens/ BIIK-Shymkent)

    2.     Dolores Hernandez Masongo (Equatorial Guinea, Huracanes)

    3.     Imane Abdelahad (Morocco, SC Casablanca)

    4.     Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco, AS FAR)

    5.     Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)

    6.     Andile Dlamini (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    7.     Kaylin Swart (South Africa, JVW)

    8.     Najiat Abass Idrisa (Tanzania, JKT Queens)

    9.     Catherine Musonda (Zambia, Tomiris Turan)

    10.  Cynthia Shongwe (Zimbabwe, Harare City)

    Interclub Player of the Year (Women)

    1.     Refilwe Tholakele (Botswana, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    2.     N’Guessan Nadege Koffi (Cote d’Ivoire, SC Casablanca)

    3.     Elena Oyana (Equatorial Guinea, Huracanes)

    4.     Comfort Yeboah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

    5.     Tracy Twum (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

    6.     Oumou Kone (Mali, AS Mande)

    7.     Aziza Rabbah (Morocco, AS FAR)

    8.     Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)

    9.     Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco, AS FAR)

    10.  Lebohang Ramalepe (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

    Young Player of the Year (not more than 21 years)

    1.     Comfort Yeboah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

    2.     Mary Amponsah (Ghana, Ampem Darkoa)

    3.     Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)

    4.     Deborah Abiodun (Nigeria, Pittsburg Panthers)

    5.     Esther Opeyemi Ajakaye (Nigeria, Delta Queens)

    6.     Oluwatosin Demehin (Nigeria, Stade Reims)

    7.     Hapsatou Malado Diallo (Senegal, USPA/Eibar)

    8.     Thubelihle Shamase (South Africa, University of Johannesburg FC)

    9.     Winifreda Gerald (Tanzania, JKT Queens)

    10.  Fauzia Najjemba (Uganda, Dynamo Moscow)

    Read Also: 2023 CAF Awards: Full List Of Nominees For Player of the Year (Men)

    Coach of the Year (Women)

    1.     Nana Joe Adarkwa (Ampem Darkoa)

    2.     Lovemore Fazili (Malawi)

    3.     Mehdi El Qaichouri (SC Casablanca)

    4.     Mohamed Amine Alioua (AS FAR)

    5.     Reynald Pedros (Morocco)

    6.     Randy Waldrum (Nigeria)

    7.     Mame Moussa Cisse (Senegal)

    8.     Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

    9.     Jerry Tshabalala (Mamelodi Sundowns)

    10.  Esther Chabruma (JKT Queens)

    National Team of the Year (Women)

    1.     Burkina Faso

    2.     Burundi

    3.     Ghana

    4.     Malawi

    5.     Morocco

    6.     Nigeria

    7.     Senegal

    8.     South Africa

    9.     Tanzania

    10.  Zambia

    Club of the Year (Women)

    1.     Athletico d’Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire)

    2.     Huracanes (Equatorial Guinea)

    3.     Ampem Darkoa (Ghana)

    4.     AS Mande (Mali)

    5.     AS FAR (Morocco)

    6.     SC Casablanca (Morocco)

    7.     Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

    8.     JKT Queens (Tanzania).

    (NAN)

  • Mikel, Musa, Iheanacho out of CAF Player of the Year race

    Mikel, Musa, Iheanacho out of CAF Player of the Year race

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the top five shortlists for the 2016 African Player of the Year award with the Super Eagles trio of Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho not making the cut.

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Islam Slimani made the top five decided by votes from the members of the CAF Media Committee, CAF Technical & Development Committee and half of the 20-member panel of experts, Goal reports.

    Borussia Dortmund striker Aubameyang won the 2015 award after a sizzling start to the previous season for the Bundesliga club.

    In the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa) category, Dennis Onyango, Hlompho Kekana, Keegan Dolly and Khama Billiat from the 2016 African Champions League winning side, Mamelodi Sundowns, made the mark with T.P Mazembe’s Rainford Kabala completing the list.

    The winners will be decided by votes from the head coaches and Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF.

    The Glo/CAF awards gala night will take place on January 5, 2017 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.

  • Enyeama thanks fans over CAF nomination

    Enyeama thanks fans over CAF nomination

    Super Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, has thanked Nigerians after he made the shortlist of five for the 2014 Confederation of African Football Player of the Year award.

    Enyeama, along with Super Eagles teammate Ahmed Musa, have been announced in the final five for the African Player of the Year award, and said he owes it to Nigerians for the love and support they have shown to him.

    “I have to thank Nigerians for their love and support,” Enyeama told sl10.ng.

    “I am really grateful to them and I hope a Nigerian wins it this time.

    “I thank them for helping me get this far and I appreciate their support.”

    The 32-year-old, alongside Musa, are the only Nigerians on the shortlist that also included 2013 winner, Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure of Manchester City, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon and Borussia Dortmund, and Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan of Al-Ain.

    Enyeama had earlier told sl10.ng that if he were to choose, he would pick qualification to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations over the African Player of the Year award, but posited that ‘it would be great if a Nigerian wins the award again.

    The last Nigerian to win the award was Nwankwo Kanu in 1999, although Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha came very close to winning it in 2004, but lost out to Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o Fils.

  • Glo CAF Awards: Mikel, Emenike make top 10

    Glo CAF Awards: Mikel, Emenike make top 10

    •Enyeama, Musa too

    •Mba picked for home-based sector

    •Keshi in contention for Coach of the Year

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday unveiled the top ten nominees for the 2013 Glo-CAF Awards African Footballer of the Year.

    The list of top ten nominees include four Nigerians: Mikel Obi of Chelsea, Emmanuel Emenike of Fernabache, Vincent Enyeama of Lille and Ahmed Musa of CSKA, Moscow. Others include reigning African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure of Cote d’Ivoire and Manchester City, Didier Drogba also of Cote d’Ivoire and Galatasaray, Asamoah Gyan of Al-Ain (UAE) and Ghana, Jonathan Pitroipa of Stade Rennes and Burkina Faso, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund and Gabon and Mohamed Aboutreika of Al Ahly, Egypt.

    CAF also released the names of top five finalists for the Africa-based “Player of the year” Award. They are Sunday Mba of Warri Wolves and Nigeria, Mohamed Aboutreika of Al Ahly, Egypt, his colleague, Ahmed Fathy, also of Al Ahly and Egypt, Rainford Kabala of TP Mazembe and Zambia and Tresor MputuMabi also of TP Mazembe, from DR Congo.

    Nominees in the other categories released by CAF include Nigeria, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso for the National Team of the Year Award and Al Ahly of Egypt, C.S Sfaxien of Tunisia and Orlando Pirates of South Africa for the Club of the Year Award.

    Stephen Keshi of Nigeria, Paul Put of Burkina Faso and Manu Garba of Nigeria are the Top 3 nominees for Coach of the Year Award while the Top 4 nominees for the Most Promising Talent Award are Ebenezer Assifuah of FC Sion and Ghana, Saleh Gomaa of ENPPI and Egypt, Kelechi Iheanacho of Taye Academy and Nigeria; and Alexis Yougouda of Cotton Sports Garoua and Cameroon.

    The nominees for the Referee of the Year Award are: Alioum Neant of Cameroon, Haimoudi Djamel of Algeria and Papa Bakary Gassama of Gambia.

    The Nigeria Football Supporters Club were listed for CAF Fair Play Award while ex-coach of Senegal, late Bruno Metsu and Morocoan International, Mehdi Faria were shortlisted for the Legend Award. The Nigerian U-17 team, Golden Eaglets was shortlisted for the “Youth National Team of the Year.”

    The list is prepared through a vigorous selection process by the Technical, Football and Media Committees of CAF, taking into account the performance of the players for their national teams and clubs from January to November each year.

    The Gala Night of the Glo-CAF Awards comes up at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos on 9th of January, 2014.

    Globacom has been the title sponsor of the Awards

  • 2013 Glo CAF Awards: Globacom promises magical moments

    2013 Glo CAF Awards: Globacom promises magical moments

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF), organisers of the most prestigious annual African Footballer of the Year award and its sponsor, Globacom, have assured the global football fraternity that the 2013 Glo-CAF Awards slated for January 9, 2014 in Lagos will be magical in scope and scale.

    Both Globacom and CAF gave the assurance at a joint press conference in Lagos on Monday. Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator, Segun Adeyemo represented the company while the Director of Media Division, Confederation of African Football, Mr. Junior Binyam, spoke on behalf of CAF.

    Both Glo and CAF said every attention has been paid to great details to ensure the emergence of a credible winner through a very transparent process. They also pledged that the presentation ceremony to be held at the Eko Hotel, will be an unprecedented spectacle.

    According to Globacom, “The 2013 Glo-CAF Awards with the theme: “Icons of Africa: Past, Present, Future,” is aimed at “honouring the legacy of the past; celebrating the Icons of today; and inspiring the Icons of the future.”

    Coming on the heels of the release of the list of Top 25 African Best Players by CAF, Binyam stated that coaches and captains of African national football teams will vote for the best player on the continent and the list will be pruned from 25 to the Top Ten, Top Five and Top Three in subsequent weeks. He said one of the Top Three will be unveiled as the winner at the awards night. “The countdown to the Awards night has started,” he declared.

    Binyam commended Globacom for sponsoring the Glo-CAF Awards since 2005, adding that the partnership is worth celebrating.

    He called on African companies to support African football at both local and International levels, adding that the continent stands to gain tremendously from such support.

    The Globacom representative, Adeyemo said the company’s partnership with CAF, which is in its 8th year, is in “line with its vision of raising the profile of African football and the continent’s players, just as the Glo network is dedicated to adding value to the lives of the people in the countries where the company has its footprint.”

    Globacom also said that its customers will enjoy the special privilege of attending the 2013 Awards to meet and interact with top African footballers and Administrators during the Gala night. To gain access to the event, all the customers need to do is to participate in the ongoing sms promo tagged “Top up and secure a seat at the Glo CAF Awards Ceremony” by spending N10, 000 or more between now and January 2nd, 2014 to make calls or browse the internet on the Glo network.

    “Our subscribers have been amazing; they have stood solidly behind the Glo brand and this is another golden opportunity to appreciate and reward them for their loyalty,” Adeyemo stated further.

    Five Nigerian players made the list of top 25 contenders for the Best African Player of the Year. They include John Mikel Obi of Chelsea Football Club, London, Vincent Enyeama of Lille, France, Emmanuel Emenike of Fenabache, Turkey, Ahmed Musa of CSKA, Moscow and Sunday Mba of Warri Wolves, Nigeria.