CAF Awards : The Best African Player Has Been Away From Nigerian For Too Long

The CAF African Player Of The Year is an award given to the player who has impressed the most for that calendar year.

Since its inception in 1992, only four Nigerian players have been able to be the recipients of the coveted award.

Rashidi Yekini was the first winner in 1993, followed by Emmanuel Amunike in 1994. Victor Ikpeba wore the crown in 1997 and Nwankwo Kanu won it twice in 1996 and 1999.

However,  no other Nigerian has been able to conquer Africa.

The closest was John Obi Mikel in 2013 after a successful AFCON tournament in South Africa which Nigeria went on to win. He was only second fiddle to Ivory coast’s Didier Drogba.

Three Nigerian players have been nominated this time. Odion Ighalo, Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen would be seeking to break the 20-year-old jinx.

Mohamed Salah of Egypt has been the sensation of recent years, wearing the crown for the past two years.

It will take a lot for any other player to dethrone him.  The Super Eagles are a household name in African football.

Thus, an African King from Nigeria won’t be a surprise. It has been hard to achieve and the crown has to be worn by a Super Eagle sooner than later.

Ekene Dike