JJ Okocha, four other African legends who should have won the African player of the year award

Africa football governing body (CAF) will on Thursday, January 5, 2017 announce the winner for the 2016 African player of the year.

The 12th edition of the GLO CAF awards ceremony is expected to take place at the international conference center in Abuja which is the capital of Nigeria.

There are some African players many believed should have won the award despite how superb they were during their active playing days, and here we bring you 5 African legends CAF never recognized for the award.

1. Austin JJ Okocha (Nigeria)

Former Nigerian international Austin Okocha

Despite his performances while playing for the Super Eagles and several clubs in Europe, Austin JJ Okocha is referred to as the most unluckiest as the former Bolton Wanderers' star missed the award on three occasions before he hanged his boots.

2. Finidi George (Nigeria)

Former Nigerian star Finidi George

After making a name for himself while playing for Ajax winning the UEFA Champions League, former Nigerian international winger was never nominated for the award in which many pundits claimed he should have been considered for the African player of the year award.

3. Seydou Keita (Mali)

Seydou Keita

Malian professional footballer Seydou Keita is another player that was not recognized by CAF for the award in spite of his achievements while playing for Spanish giants Barcelona.

The 36-year-old won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey, and two Champions League titles with Barcelona, but was beaten by Ivorian football star Yaya Toure in 2011.

4. Mohammed Aboutrika (Egypt)

Mohammed Aboutrika

The year 2008 was the best year for Egyptian football star Mohammed Aboutrika as many expected him to win the award, but he was beaten by Togolese international Emmanuel Adebayor.

5. Rigobert Song

Cameroonian legend Rigobert Song

Cameroonian legend Rigobert Song is the only African who has featured in eight African Cup of Nations Championship where he led his country to win the title in 2000 and 2002, but he never won the African player of the year award till he retired from football.