10th January, 2014
Taiwo Adelu
Ivorian Yaya Toure beat Nigerian John Mikel Obi and compatriot Didier Drogba to win for the third time the prestigious CAF African Footballer award.
The Glo-CAF Award ceremony which was held at the Eko Hotel, Lagos Thursday night, was attended by who is who in the African football family.
Toure was handed the award plaque by the CAF President, Isa Hayatou.
“I thank my family for their support and also congratulate John Obi Mikel, who also deserved this award,” said Toure, who was a key player for both club and country last year.
Other awards of the night were the National Youth Team award which was won by the African champions, Nigeria. The award was presented by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State which was received by President of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.
Youth National award was won by current World’s U-17 champions, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria. The award plaque was presented by Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.
Club of the Year award was won by the winners of the CAF Champions League, Al Ahly of Egypt.
The CAF Fair Play award was given to Nigerian Football Supporters Club and it was received by President General Worldwide of the club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo.
Coach of African champions, Nigeria, Stephen Keshi won the Coach of the Year award.
The Most Promising Talent award was won by Nigerian youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho.
Algerian referee Haimoudi Djamel won the Referee of the Year award.
The duo of Frenchman Bruno Metsu and Moroccan Mehdi Faria won CAF Legends award.
African Player of the Year-Based in Africa award was won by Egyptian Mohamed Aboutreika.
The Egyptian legend beat compatriot Ahmed Fathy and Sunday Mba from Nigeria to win the best Player based in Africa.
It was a fitting send-off gift for the 35-year-old Al Ahly star, who has announced his retirement from the game.
CAF Platinum award was also given to Nigeria. It was received by Chairman, National Sports Commission, NSC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.