Tue, 23 Dec 2003
Source: BBC
Five of Africa's top footballers have been shortlisted for the Caf Player of the Year award. The shortlist is:
- Samuel Eto'o Fils, Cameroon
- Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast
- Jay-Jay Okocha, Nigeria
- Obafemi Martins, Nigeria
- Hatem Trabelsi, Tunisia
Last year's winner was the Senegal and Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf.
Here BBC Sport online assesses the claims of the famous five to the title of "Best in Africa".
Samuel Eto'o Fils
23-year-old striker, who has scored consistently for club and country. Excelled for Cameroon at the Confederations Cup in 2003. Caf young player of the year in 2001. One of a shortlist of three for the BBC African Player of the Year.Didier Drogba
The revelation of this season's European Champion's League campaign, despite the fact that Marseille didn't make it through to the knock out stages. Scored five goals in the group stages, and has already notched up nine in the league this season. Made his name at Guingamp before moving on to Marseilles. Obafemi Martins Nigerian teenager who has yet to play for his country, but has thrilled the crowds at the San Siro for Inter Milan. Praised by Inter President Massimo Moratti, who said a starting place in the Super Eagles would not be undeserved. Jay Jay Okocha
Super Eagles captain and the man who almost single handedly kept Bolton Wanderers in the English premiership last season. The subject of a club v country tussle ahead of the Nations Cup. Another candidate for the BBC African Footballer award. Hatem Trabelsi
The only defender in the group, and the outsider for the title, but his performances for Ajax have been recognised. He's one of 50 names on the longlist for the title of European Footballer of the Year.
Jay Jay Okocha
Super Eagles captain and the man who almost single handedly kept Bolton Wanderers in the English premiership last season. The subject of a club v country tussle ahead of the Nations Cup. Another candidate for the BBC African Footballer award.Hatem Trabelsi
The only defender in the group, and the outsider for the title, but his performances for Ajax have been recognised. He's one of 50 names on the longlist for the title of European Footballer of the Year.Source: BBC