How Riyad Mahrez was Crowned African Footballer of the Year.
Algeria forward Riyad Mahrez was last night named the king of African football at the glamorous Confederation of African Football’s player of the year, award.
The Leicester City forward defeated his two other African compatriots to clinch the CAF/ GLOBACOM Africa Footballer of the Year award took place at the prestigious International Conference Center, Abuja on Friday night, with all the pump and pageantry.
This event with the theme:” Celebrating 25 years of African Football whatever it takes” attracted the cream de la cream of world football including the President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, Isa Hayatu of Cameroon
Several categories were contested for as the event paraded the best of African footballers and talents who are working very hard to the continent proud across the world
The various categories include the National Soccer team of the year, which was won by the Ugandan national soccer team, the Cranes,
They defeated other teams shortlisted for the award, including the national soccer teams of DR. Congo, Senegal National football team.
The Women National team of the year, was won by the Super Falcons of Nigeria, the team that had taken the African women Soccer trophies for eight times
They defeated the Cameroonian National Women football team and the South African national women team to clinch the title.
Below are the various categories contest and the winners
National Soccer Team of the Year….The Cranes of Unganda
Women National Soccer Team of the Year….Super Falcons of Nigeria
Africa Football Club of the Year….Mamelodi Sundowns of South African
The most promising talent award… Kelechi Iheanacho…Nigeria.
Youth Player of the Year.. Alex Iwobi of Nigerian.
Coach of the year… Pitso Mosimani of South Africa
African Football Heroins….Asisat Oshola of Nigeria.
The Referee of the Year…Bakery Papa Gasama.
African Player of the Year Based in Africa….Denis Onyango
African Football leader of the Year…Manuel Nobes Nasimeto.
CAF Platinum award….Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari
Africa Footballer of the Year….Mahrez Ryad.
Runners up….Aubameyang Pierre Emerick.
In his vote of thank, the newly crowned African Footballer of the Year thanked every one, including all his team mates, even as he dedicated the award to his family
