EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR NAMED AFRICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor was Tuesday night named CAF African Player of the Year for 2008 at an elaborate awards ceremony in Lagos. Adebayor beat Mohamed Aboutrika of Egypt and Ghana’s Michael Essien to win the prestigious award, which involved voting by the national team coaches of CAF’s member-nations. “This is a special night for me. I dedicate this award to my mum, without her, I would be nothing. My father is no more but where ever he is, he will be proud of me,” said Adebayor, who was accompanied by his mother. Adebayor took away a crystal trophy and a cash prize of $20,000. This is the first time that a Togolese will be voted as Africa’s best player. The Arsenal star's exploits of the past year were mainly with his English Premier League club. In the absence of France international Thierry Henry, who moved to Spanish club Barcelona, the Togo star stepped up to finish the season with an impressive tally of 30 goals. The striker also inspired Togo to reach the final qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. congrats to all gunners! The awards night was graced by many dignitaries including FIFA president Joseph Blatter and CAF president Issa Hayatou. Ahly’s Aboutrika got a consolation prize as the Inter-Club Player of the Year. The list of award winners: CAF Player of the Year Emmanuel Adebayor - Togo/Arsenal CAF Young Player Salomon Kalou - Ivory Coast/Chelsea CAF Female Player Alice Matlou - South Africa National Team of the Year Egypt Coach of the Year Hassan Shehata - Egypt Best Club Ahly - Egypt Inter-Club Player of the Year Mohamed Aboutrika - Al Ahly African Legend Christian Chukwu - Nigeria