Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has won the 2006 BBC African Footballer of the Year.

In a live public vote Essien received nearly twice as many votes as Ahly and Egypt playmaker Mohamed Aboutrika and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba to win the award.

For the first time in the history of the award, the winner was decided live during the BBC World Service's African sports programme, Fast Track.

The BBC award takes into account the football calendar from January to December 2006 and includes domestic leagues, both the Uefa and Caf Champions League tournaments.

The African Nations Cup, the World Cup and the World Club Cup are also included within this period.

BBC