Lagos - Chelsea duo Michael Essien and Didier Drogba face competition from Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor and a pair of Egyptians in the race to be named African Player of 2008.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Egypt's Mohamed Aboutrika and Amr Zaki, who play for Al-Ahly and Wigan respectively, Togo's Adebayor, Ghanian Essien and Ivorian Drogba were the five players nominated for the annual individual award.

France-born Mali international Frederic Kanoute won the 2007 African Player Award.

According to CAF spokesperson Suleimanu Habuba, the awards ceremony earlier slated for January 23 in Senegal will now take place in Nigeria on February 10, the same time as the CAF General Assembly. - Sapa-AFP