They are joined by Samuel Eto’o who is the favourite at this time with the bookies.

The winner will be announced on March 11th in Ghana

Drogba has not had the best relationship with the award organisers and in fact back in 2007 he refused to travel to the awards ceremony (held in the middle of the African Nations Tournament) and even though he was clear favourite to collect the award was overlooked.

Since then he has asked not to be considered for the award but has apparently changed his mind and will by all accounts travel to the ceremony, though that is just rumours.

Drogba has won the award before while Essien has not and of the truth be known they simply love Eto’o no matter what he does and in all likelihood he will win.