Victor Moses was one of the best stories in a season full of good stories last year as Chelsea and Conte conquered England, and the former winger-turned-wing-back has now received some recognition for his form and impact in the form of a nomination for the 2017 African Player of the Year award as well. The award, which in its current form has been given out since 1992, released its official shortlist of 30 nominees earlier today — there are actually 60 nominees in total, half of them based in Africa, the other half elsewhere in the world (mostly Europe).
30 nominees for African Player of the Year and another 30 for African Player of the Year (based in Africa) released by CAF pic.twitter.com/yNhqVyYV7o
— Maher Mezahi (@mezahimaher) November 1, 2017
There are no less than four current and former Chelsea players nominated for this year’s award, with former Loan Army standouts Bertrand Traoré, Mohamed Salah, and Crhistian Atsu joining the one player who famously managed to recover his career at Chelsea after several years out on loan.
It’s doubtful that Moses has a real shot at winning, despite his tremendous importance for Chelsea last season, with likes of Salah, Mané, and Aubameyang in the running as well. Aubameyang won the award two years ago and finished second last year to Riyad Mahrez, who’s not nominated this year. Other big names who are nominated for this year’s award include Eric Bailly (Manchester United), Jean Michel Seri (Nice), Keita Balde (Monaco), Naby Keita (RB Leipzig), Thomas Partey (Atlético Madrid), Vincent Aboubakar & Yacine Brahimi (FC Porto).
The only Chelsea player to ever win this award was Didier Drogba back in 2006 and 2009, though Michael Essien finished in the top three every year between 2005-2009 and Mikel finished second in 2013.
Victor Moses is currently injured and is not expected to be back until after the November international break in 2-3 weeks. He’s been putting in the hard work on the training ground in his recovery.