LAGOS: Chelsea duo Michael Essien and Didier Drogba face competition from Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor and Egyptians Mohamed Abou-Trika and Amr Zaki in the race to be named African Player of 2008.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Egypt’s Abou-Trika and Zaki, who play for Al-Ahly and Wigan respectively, Togo’s Adebayor, Ghanian Essien and Ivorian Drogba were the five players nominated for the annual individual award.

France-born Mali international Frederic Kanoute won the 2007 African Player Award.

According to CAF spokesman Suleimanu Habuba, the awards ceremony earlier slated for Jan. 23 in Senegal will now take place in Nigeria on Feb. 10, the same time as the CAF General Assembly. -AFP