The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the names of 5 players shortlisted for the African Footballer of the year award. However, the names of Nigerian players were conspicuously absent from the list.
CAF made the announcement via a statement on its website, cafonline.com.
It said the top five was decided by votes from the members of the CAF Media Committee, CAF Technical and Development Committee and half of the 20-member Panel of Experts (10 persons).
The statement said that for the final phase, votes from the Head Coaches/Technical Directors of the 54 National Associations affiliated to CAF plus Associate Members will be involved.
Mikel Obi, Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City and Alex Iwobi of Arsenal Fc of England were nominated for the awards but did not make it to top 5.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borrusia Dortmund)
- Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)
- Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Roma)
- Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City
For the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa), the top five are;
- Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns & Zimbabwe)
- Keegan Dolly (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
- Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe & Zambia)
- Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
- Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns & Uganda)