Ghana's Michael Essien, Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast and Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o Fils are the contenders for the 'royal' crown of African Footballer of the Year.

Of the trio, Essien is only person yet to be crowned with Eto'o three times in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and Drogba in 2006.

Here's a quick look at the trio of contenders:

Didier Drogba was a late bloomer. He signed his first professional contract aged 21 but it wasn't until the 2002 and 2003 season that he realized his potential, scoring 17 goals in 34 appearances in Ligue 1 for Guingamp.

During the same season he made his first international appearance for Ivory Coast in September and scored his first international goal the following February.

He moved to Olympique de Marseille in 2003 and his potency in front of goal continued, finishing as the third highest scorer in the league with 19 goals and making it to the 2004 UEFA Cup final.

Drogba joined Chelsea in 2004 and has carved a niche for himself as one of the greatest players in recent times to have played at Stamford Bridge.

Michael Essien was born on December 3, 1982 in Accra to Ghanaian parents Aba Gyandoh and James Essien, and started his career like any other Ghanaian footballer playing on the streets.

The highly regarded midfielder had been consistent for the Black Stars and played an influential in their qualification for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola and the South Africa 2010 World Cup.

Since 2006, he has made final shortlist for the coveted CAF Footballer of the Year, but is yet to lay his hands on the ultimate.

Samuel Eto'o Fils was born on March 10, 1981 in Nkon, Cameron. He cut his footballing teeth at the famous Kandji Sports Academy before landing a lucrative move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 1997.

As a member of the Cameroon national team, he was a part of the squad that won the 2000 Olympic tournament in Sydney, Australia; he has participated in two World Cups and six African Nations Cups, and is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the African Nations Cup, with 18 goals.

The striker was handed the captain's armband by new Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen and he played an integral role in the qualification for the first ever World Cup to be staged on African soil, in South Africa.

HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW: Out of the three mentioned players, who do you think is Africa's best?  

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Last 3 Comments: (View All)

Dayo:2010-03-13 12:04

I'm not disagree wit what NFF did but our player they are not committéd,if u invit jose morinho come to NIGERÌA

Dayo:2010-03-13 12:14

I'm not disagree wit what NFF did but our player they are not committéd,if u invit jose morinho come to NIGERÌA

Dayo:2010-03-13 12:25

I'm not disagree wit what NFF did but our player they are not committéd,if u invit jose morinho come to NIGERÌA