MAHREZ, OSHOALA AND THE OTHER WINNERS AT THE 2016 CAF AWARDS

At the International Conference Center in Abuja, Nigeria last night a new King of African Football Stars emerged.

25year-old Riyad Mahrez became the first Algerian to win the gong after his wonderful exploits and football artistry with Leicester City last season in England.

He claimed the Premier League title, PFA Player of the Year and BBC African Footballer of the Year to capped an amazing year for himself.

For African Player of the year based in Africa, it was Uganda goalkeeper Dennis Onyango that won it.

The Mamelodi Sundowns player stood in post as his club won the CAF Champions League for the first time - second time for a South African club - and also helps qualify his country for the Africa Nations Cup in Gabon.

The Women Player of the year was won by Nigeria and Arsenal Ladies striker, Asisat Oshoala.

In recent years, Asisat has shown like a beautiful star that she is with the Super Falcons as well as Arsenal Ladies. She was the top-scorer with six goals at the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon where her team won the title for the 8th record time.

Below are other winners on the night.

African Player of the Year
Riyad MAHREZ (Algeria and Leicester City) – 361 votes

Pierre-Emerick AUBAMEYANG (Gabon and Borussia Dortmund) – 313 votes

Sadio MANE (Senegal and Liverpool) – 186 votes

African Player of the Year – Based in Africa
Denis ONYANGO (Uganda and Mamelodi Sundowns) – 252 votes

Khama BILLIAT (Zimbabwe and Mamelodi Sundowns) – 228 votes

Rainford KALABA (Zambia and TP Mazembe) – 206 votes

Women’s Player of the Year
Asisat OSHOALA (Nigeria and Arsenal Ladies)

Most Promising Talent
Kelechi IHEANACHO (Nigeria and Manchester City)

Youth Player of the Year
Alex IWOBI (Nigeria and Arsenal)

Coach of the Year
Pitso MOSIMANE (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Club of the Year
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

National Team of the Year
Cranes of Uganda

Women’s National Team of the Year
Super Falcons of Nigeria

Referee of the Year
Bakary Papa GASSAMA (Gambia)

Football Leader of the Year
Manuel LOPES NASCIMENTO (President of Guinea Bissau Football Federation)

Legend Award
Laurent POKOU - Former player of Cote d’Ivoire
Emilienne MBANGO - Former player of Cameroon

Platinum Award
His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari (President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

WHO IS THE KING OF AFRICAN FOOTBALL STARS?

Today 5th of January 2017, curtains will be raise, excitement will fill the hall and there will be a toast of wine when the 2016 Glo-CAF African Player of the year is announced tonight at the International Conference Center in Abuja, Nigeria.

The award which is the 25th edition is also part of the celebration of CAF 60th anniversary. Over the years, 16 different players from 10 different nations have claimed this award with the current holder being Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The nominees for this year are...

Gabon and Borussia Dortmund striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang(27)

Algeria and Leicester City winger, Riyad Mahrez (25)

Senegal and Liverpool winger, Sadio Mané (24)

The trio made the cut following votes from Head Coaches or Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF, Media Committee, Technical & Football committee and a panel of Media Experts.

For the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa), we have...

Uganda and Mamelodi Sundows goalkeeper, Denis Onyango

Zimbabwe and Mamelodi Sundows forward, Khama Billiat

Zambia and TP Mazembe midfielder, Rainford Kalaba .

It promises to be filled with music, fun and glitz as top African music stars are set to light up the stage. Artistes such as Femi Kuti, Yemi Alade, Diamond Platinumz, Flavour and others as well as DJ Jimmy Jatt and comedians will be there to spice it all up.

Hosting this year will be top sports presenter Mimi Fawaz and Nollywood veteran actor Richard-Mofe Damijo.

Other awards for the night include; Women’s Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, Women’s National Team of the Year, Most Promising Talent of the Year, Youth Player of the Year amongst others.