Caf has released the names of 25 candidates for this year’s edition, while there are 21 names for the best players based on the continent

Yaya Toure is on course to take home his third African Player of the Year award after Caf published the names of candidates for the 2013 prize, as well as the second accolade which only involves players based on the continent.

The long list for the premier individual football prize in Africa is made of 25 players, with Afcon reigning champions Nigeria having the highest representatives with five players, followed by Cote D’Ivoire, providing three candidates, including Didier Drogba.

Cape Verde, who broke onto the continental scene this year at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, also have two men representing them: Platini and Ryan Mendes.

Roma summer signings Mehdi Benatia and Gervinho make the list, while new Borussia Dortmund attacker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is named among the nominees.

Egypt’s Mohamed Aboutrika and Ethiopian Saladin Said are the only players based in Africa on the list for the flagship award.

The category for the Africa-based Player of the Year has 21 nominees, including three from Caf Champions League winners Al Ahly.

The winners will be announced at the Glo-Caf Awards Gala scheduled for January 9, 2014 in Lagos, Nigeria.