Super Eagles quartet of Emmanuel Emenike, John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Sunday Mba have been tipped to win top honours at the 2013 Glo/CAF Awards.
In a year that the Super Eagles finally clinched Nigeria’s third Nations Cup after 19 years of drought, pundits are putting their money on a Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year. The last time a Nigerian won the award was in 2000 when Nwankwo Kanu emerged victorious.
Before Kanu though, Nigerian winners include Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amunike (1994) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).
FIFA licensed players’ agent, Friday Kujah told Pilot Sports that 2013 is Nigeria’s turn to make a triumphant return.
“This should be our year. It’s unbelievable that our players have not been found good enough to win this award for more than ten years now. I’m tipping Sunday Mba and John Mikel Obi to do us proud,’’ said Kujah fondly called Soccer Ambassador.
In a chat with Pilot Sports yesterday, CAF match commissioner, Paul Bassey said winning the Nations Cup will not be the only criteria that will land a Nigerian with the CAF top individual honour this year.
“Contributions to club, major trophies and role model will be key. With this in view, our players like Victor Moses and Mikel Obi should stand a good chance,’’ said Bassey, a former member of CAF media committee.
Only yesterday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the date and the venue of the 2013 Glo –CAF Awards.
A statement posted on its website indicated that the Gala event will be held in Lagos, Nigeria on January 9, 2014.
The event has previously been held in five cities; the 2005 edition was held in Abuja (Nigeria), 2006 in Accra (Ghana), 2007-Lome (Togo), 2008-Lagos (Nigeria), 2009-Accra (Ghana), 2010 in Cairo (Egypt) and the last two editions in Accra Ghana.
Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure is the current African Player of the Year having won the last two editions while the 2013 African Player of the Year – Based in Africa winner is Mohamed Abou Trieka of Egypt.
Glo – CAF 2013 Awards Categories
1. African Player of the Year
2. African Player of the Year – Based in Africa
3. National Team of the Year
4. Women’s National Team of the Year
5. Club of the Year
6. CAF Fair Play Award
7. Coach of the Year
8. Most Promising talent
9. Women’s Footballer of the Year
10. Referee of the Year
11. CAF Legend
12. Africa Fines XI
13. CAF Platinum Award