Nigeria had a representative in the last edition but are without one as Salah and Mana are the leading contenders for the award. Salah won it the award in 2017.

The shortlist, which has been compiled by a panel of African football experts also comprises Medhi Benatia of Morocco, Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly and Ghana’s Thomas Partey.

Contenders

Salah

Salah had a massive year scoring 44 goals in his debut season for Liverpool and taking Egypt to their first World Cup tournament in 28 years.

His Liverpool teammate Mane was also impressive for the Reds and scored their only goal in their 1-3 loss to Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final.

Both, however, could not do much for their respective countries at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Benatia has seen his stock rise at Juventus while Koulibaly has become one of the best defenders in world football at Napoli.

Ghana defender Partey had an impressive season at Atletico Madrid who won the Europa League title this year.

Nigeria has not had a winner in this award for 14 years after Austin Jay Jay Okocha won it in 2004. Nigeria has won it five times with three players; Emmanuel Amuneke in 1996, Kanu Nwankwo in 1997 and 1999 and Okocha in 2003 and 2004.

The vote opened at 7 pm GMT on Saturday, November 17 and is set to close on Sunday, December 2, with the results due be announced on Friday, December 14.