Ghana and Chelsea’s Michael Essien has been nominated for the BBC footballer of the year, 2009.

He is in contention with Chelsea team mate Didier Drogba and three other competitors-Samuel Eto'o, Inter Milan, Tresor Mputu Mabi, TP Mazembe and Yaya Toure of Bacelona.

Announcing the nominations, BBC Fast Track presenter Farayi Mungazi said: "This award is all about performance over the last twelve months so only two of last year's contenders have made it onto the list, with no place for Adebayor or Aboutrika.

"Once again it's great to see a player based in Africa on the shortlist with TP Mazembe's Tresor Mputu Mabi in with a chance".

Winner of the annual competition will be adjudged through public voting which has been declared opened and will be running up until the 4th of January, 2010.

Winner of this year’s competition will be announced four days later.

Essien picked up the award in 2006, and will relish yet another victory, but faces stiff opposition from Drogba who has had a remarkable season the year under review.

Essien is the second Ghanaian to have picked up the award, after Samuel Osei Kufuor who was declared winner in 2001.


Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana