Who will unseat El Hadji Diouf as the African Footballer of the Year?

The shortlist is:

Samuel Eto'o Fils, Cameroon
Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast
Jay-Jay Okocha, Nigeria
Obafemi Martins, Nigeria
Hatem Trabelsi, Tunisia

Members of CAF's technical and media committees drew up the shortlist and the winner is expected to be announced during the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia in January.

Last year's winner was the Senegal and Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf.

Here BBC Sport assesses the claims of the famous five to the title of "Best in Africa".

Samuel Eto'o Fils is one of the favourites for CAF's player of the year award

Samuel Eto'o Fils

23-year-old striker, who has scored consistently for club and country. Excelled for Cameroon at the Confederations Cup in 2003. Caf young player of the year in 2001. One of a shortlist of three for the BBC African Player of the Year.

Didier Drogba

The revelation of this season's European Champion's League campaign, despite the fact that Marseille didn't make it through to the knock out stages. Scored five goals in the group stages, and has already notched up nine in the league this season. Made his name at Guingamp before moving on to Marseilles.

Obafemi Martins hasn't played for his country yet, but he's a big hit in Serie A

Obafemi Martins

Nigerian teenager who has yet to play for his country, but has thrilled the crowds at the San Siro for Inter Milan. Praised by Inter President Massimo Moratti, who said a starting place in the Super Eagles would not be undeserved.

Jay-Jay Okocha

Super Eagles captain and the man who almost single handedly kept Bolton Wanderers in the English Premiership last season. The subject of a club v country tussle ahead of the Nations Cup. Another candidate for the BBC African Footballer award.

Hatem Trabelsi