Martins and Okocha shortlisted

The other three nominees includes, Samuel Eto'o Fils, Cameroon, Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast and Hatem Trabelsi, Tunisia. Members of CAF's technical and media committees on Monday, drew up the shortlist and the winner is expected to be announced during the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia in January.

Last year's winner was the Senegal and Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf, who failed to make the grade for the first time in two years. Strong challengers The other three players stand between the Nigerians and the continent's biggest reward, boasting of a strong rating in europe and Africa, www.Nigeriasports.com profiles the other gladiators: Samuel Eto'o Fils Winning the Caf's young player of the year in 2001, despite making headlines on and off the field, the 23-year-old striker, who has scored consistently for club and country.

Excelled for Cameroon at the Confederations Cup in 2003. Caf young player of the year in 2001. One of a shortlist of three for the BBC African Player of the Year. "Someone told me I can emulate Roger Miller but we'll see how it all goes begining from this honour" He told Macca in Spain Didier Drogba How else to describe this intelligent finisher,he has been the revelation of this season's European Champion's League campaign, despite the fact that Marseille didn't make it through to the knock out stages.

 Scored five goals in the group stages, and has already notched up nine in the league this season. Made his name at Guingamp before moving on to Marseilles. " It will be a dream come true to be crowned"; he told Marseille official website. Hatem Trabelsi He has built a huge reputation for himself at Ajax of Amsterdam, had figured prominently on the resurgance of the side under Ronald Koeman. The only defender in the group, and the outsider for the title, but his performances for Ajax have been recognised. He's one of 50 names on the longlist for the title of European Footballer of the Year.Turned down offers from many premiership side after his brilliance of last season.