The Confederation of African Football – CAF has named Ghana’s Michael Essien in the last three for the African Footballer of the Year award from the earlier five shortlisted players.

CAF on Sunday released the top three nominees for the 2006 African Player of the Year Award.

Essien together with Chelsea teammate, Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast and Cameroon’s Samuel Eto Fils all make the final three.

Two month's ago, CAF shortlisted five players for the award.

Among the five players initially selected included Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu and Mohammed Aboutrika of Egypt.

But both players could not make it into the last three.

The winner would be announced at the awards ceremony that comes off in Accra, the Ghana capital on March 1.

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o is a three time winner and holder of the 2005 award.