Ghana pair of Christian Atsu and Thomas Partey have been named in the initial 30-man list of nominees for the 2017 African Player of the Year Awards, which will be held in Accra.

Christain Atsu was instrumental in helping Newcastle gain promotion back to the English top flight whiles Partey has put out outstanding performances for both Atletico Madrid and the Black Stars.

Among the 30 players listed are the usual suspects, Liverpool’s pair of Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah, reigning African Football of the Year Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Victor Moses, who was vital for Chelsea in winning the 2016/17 EP L title.

The continent’s biggest football awards will be held on January 4, 2018