Voting is still on for the picking of West Africa’s best footballer, according to

the sub–region’s governing body of the game, the West African Football Union; and

all fans are expected to avail themselves of the opportunity of helping to decide

who the best footballer is by casting their votes. The novel contest and arrangement

was been put in place by the leadership of the WAFU.

On the margin of the 27th African Cup of Nations finals held in Angola early this

year, the WAFU President, Dr. Amos Adamu announced an award for the Best Player in

West Africa, which would, unusually, be voted for by football fans across the

sub–region.

This is in contrast to the way of FIFA and CAF whereby the choice of the best player

is made by coaches, technical directors or captains of the national teams.

Spectators who follow the achievements of their idols with passion are the ones to

decide the West African top dog on the pitch going on since the end of May. The

event itself was launched in Abidjan at the end of April. Fans have been sending

their entries by sms or telephone calls within all 16 West African countries.

The players in the final shortlist are led by the likes of Emmanuel Adebayo, Didier

Drogba, Andre Ayew and Jon Mikel Obi.

The Awards ceremony will take place in Abidjan, capital of Cote d’Ivoire on

Saturday, July 31.

THE SHORTLIST

•Emmanuel Adebayor - Togo

•Andre Ayew - Ghana

•Moumouni Dagano - Burkina Faso

•Didier Drogba - Cote d’Ivoire

•Michael Essien - Ghana

•Pascal Feindouno - Guinea

•Yaya Toure - Cote d’Ivoire

•Abdelkader Keita - Cote d’Ivoire

•Frederic Kanoute - Mali

•Seydou Keita - Mali

•Sulley Ali Muntari - Ghana

•Mamadou Niang - Senegal

•John Mikel Obi - Nigeria

•Yakubu Ayegbeni - Nigeria

•Ssesegnon -Benin Rep.

•Pitroipa -Burkina Faso