Esin Tips Mahrez For African Player Of The Year

Former Nigerian International, Etim Esin, has tipped Riyad Mahrez, as likely to be named the 2016 CAF African Player of the Year, ahead of the Super Eagles trio of Mikel Obi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa. 

Last weekend, CAF published a 30-man shortlist of nominees for the awards. Some of the shortlisted players, include; Andre Ayew, Islam Slimani, Mohamed Elneny, Victor Wanyana, Yannick Bolasie, Sadio Mane and Wahbi Khazri.

The former International, was quoted as saying - "For Iheanacho, I think it's too early" he told CompleteSports. "Mikel has tried, he came second behind Yaya Toure, and for Musa, is he playing regularly? Has he scored for Leicester ? The answer is No. Iheanacho, has a future, he is still an up and coming star. The best bet would have been Iheanacho, but he still has to improve. Let's give him one or two years, he might be up there".  "Riyad Mahrez did well to help Leicester win the League last season, which is a very big plus for him" - he said. 

The former Flying Eagles star, feels Mahrez, who won the 2015/2016 Premier League title with Leicester City, will probably win the award. "It is possible he wins it because it has been a long time a player from North Africa won the award".