Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been named the best player in Africa for 2013, according to a poll conducted by United Kingdom based broadcaster BBC.

To scoop the prestigious award, the Ivory Coast international was chosen ahead of Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Victor Moses (Liverpool), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund) and Jonathan Pitropia (Rennes).

“It’s a fantastic achievement because I don't think there has ever been as many quality African players in top-level international football as there are now: Aubameyang, Pitroipa, Mikel, Moses, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho... we have fantastic players.

“I also think African football is improving and that means a lot to us. And as an African, I’m very happy,”Yaya Toure said to the online edition of the BBC.

Retired Super Eagles midfielder Austin Okocha is the last Nigerian player to win the BBC accolade, which is traditionally held at the end of every year.