MIkel Wins Best Player Award

Chelsea's John Obi Mikel has been named the Barclay Premier League's African Player of the Month of December.

In a statement by the organisers New African Soccer, Mikel was voted and selected ahead of West Ham's Cameroonian, Alex Song and Southampton striker, Senegalese Sadio Mane in a tight vote process.

As reported by Vanguard,  Awards Director Tunde Adelakun said "as always, it was a difficult choice, but a lot of factors came into consideration before we selected Mikel".

"Mikel has endured a difficult start to the season, falling down the pecking order in a star-studded Chelsea team that is riding high in the Premier League. After all, we all know that no one likes changing a winning team. However, the spirit of professionalism which he displayed in waiting for his chance, and taking it well with some solid performances in a difficult month, tipped the award his way this month".

The presentation of MIkel's award will be done in the coming days.

The statement also added that the New African Soccer Awards has been merged with the Africans Abroad Recognised (AAR) Charter, which seeks to recognise the exploits of Africans in Diaspora in all walks of life.

The Chelsea midfield Maestro was recently praised by Jose Mourinho; manager of Chelsea FC over the quality and performances of the player