Mikel finishes second in African Footballer of the Year voting

In somewhat disappointing news from Lagos today, John Obi Mikel has finished runner-up in African Footballer of the Year voting. Three players -- alongside Mikel were Manchester City's Yaya Toure and some guy named Didier Drogba -- were nominated for the honour, and Mikel, lynchpin of the Nigeria side which won the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2013, seemed to have a decent shot of claiming it.

The award, however, went to Yaya Toure. Despite the big midfielder winning nothing at all last season, it's hardly an unreasonable shout. He was in extremely good form for his club throughout 2013, cementing his position as one of the top players in the Premier League. Mikel, meanwhile, has excelled internationally, won the Cup of Nations and the Europa League, but has an up-and-down year, form-wise. Valuing performance versus trophies in these sorts of awards (I lean towards the former) is tricky, but it's difficult to imagine anyone getting too upset over giving the thing to Yaya Toure.

Better luck next time, John. We're all proud of you anyway.

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