Kanu tips Mikel for CAF Award

Two-time winner Nwankwo Kanu has tipped countryman John Mikel Obi to win the 2013 CAF African Player of the Year award.

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Kanu was the last Nigerian to win the award, back in 1999, and he told KickOffNigeria.com that Mikel, and teammate Victor Moses, had done enough to return the plaque to Nigeria 14 years on.

"I think for me Mikel should win it this year, or Victor Moses," Kanu said. "They had a great Nations Cup and then won the Europa League with their club.

"And then if you look at Mikel's performance at the Fifa Confederations Cup, he was simply outstanding, so I believe he should win it."

Kanu, who turned 37 on August 1, was a winner in 1996 and 1999.

The closest any Nigerian has come since then was Austin Okocha in 2004, and the former captain says Nigerian players must do more to earn respect.

"I think the players have to prove themselves like they are doing now and I am happy that Stephen Keshi is encouraging them to play at their best,"