African football's governing body, CAF, announced the names of the five nominees in a press conference held in Lagos, Nigeria.

Reigning African Footballer and three-time winner Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon and Barcelona earned yet another nomination.

Premiership champions Chelsea had two nominees in Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba and Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien.

Portsmouth forward Nwankwo Kanu of Nigeria, who won the honor in 1997 and 1999, was also among the nominees.

The 28-year-old Abou-Treika has enjoyed a very successful year.

He played a pivotal role in Egypt's record-breaking fifth African Cup of Nations on home ground in February.

Abou-Treika also helped his club, Ahli, retain their local and African Champions League, finishing as top-scorer in both competitions.

The former Tersana player also guided Ahli to the Egyptian Cup title and local and continental Super Cup trophies.

All 53 member-nations of CAF and the CAF media and technical committees are expected to vote for the continent's best player.

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in the Nigerian capital Abuja on January 18th.