Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama has disclosed that Cote d’Ivoire skipper Yaya Toure was a worthy winner of the 2014 African Player of the Year award.
Yaya won the title for a fourth straight time after polling 175 votes against 120 by Aubameyang while Enyeama settled for third-place with 105 points.
Speaking during the post-award conference, the Lille goalkeeper said his inability to win the coveted crown was not a question of the Super Eagles’ failure to reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations while supporting the decision of the Confederation of African Football to name the Manchester City star as Africa’s best.
“It doesn’t count. It pains me that Nigeria will not be at the Africa Cup of Nations and for the award, I support the decision of tonight, a big congratulation to him [Yaya] and I thank God for him,” said Enyeama.
Enyeama becomes the first goalkeeper to make the top three shortlist of the award since its induction by Caf in 1992. Kanu Nwankwo last won the award for Nigeria in 1999 dusting off challenge from Samuel Kuffour and Ibrahima Bakayoko.
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