Michael Essien has made the shortlist for the African Player of the Year 2008.

Essien played his part in Chelsea's challenge for success on both domestic and European fronts last season. He also put in a typical powerhouse season, before an injury on international duty for Ghana earlier in this campaign left him sidelined. He is due to return in late February or early March.

The other candidates for the award are Chelsea's Didier Drogba, Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor, Wigan's Amr Zaki, and Egypt's Mohamed Aboutrika.

The awards ceremony will take place on 10th February in Nigeria.