Didier Drogba and Michael Essien have taken up their now regular position among the nominees for the African Player of the Year award.

Of the five names in contention, four are currently playing their football in England with the Chelsea pair joined by Arsenal's Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Amr Zaki of Wigan and another Egyptian, Mohamed Aboutreika, who plays for Al-Ahly in his homeland.

The award, which is run by the Confederation of African Football, is decided by a poll of the national coaches from 53 African countries. The result will be announced in December.

Drogba was the 2006 winner (pictured) and runner-up in 2005 and 2004. Essien has yet to win but was second last year.