The Awards Panel of New African Soccer released the names of the shortlisted players for the Premier League’s African Player of the Month of October.
A statement by Awards Director Tunde Adelakun gave the three nominees as Swansea City’s Ivorien striker Wilfried Bony, West Ham’s Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho and his club mate, Cameroonian Alex Song.
In the short release, Adelakun expressed delight and gratitude to the growing number of contributors to the awards scheme, which has been, in his words “rather gratifying to have that many people taking part in the voting process”.
“Wilfiried Bony, 25, has been symbolic in Swansea City’s rise to prominence in the current season, not only netting goals but also putting a good team performance in protecting his club. His contribution and commitment earned him the nomination; in addition to the goals he contributed” the statement added.
Bony scored in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United early in the month, and also netted both goals that shut out Leicester City in a 2-0 win at home last weekend.
“West Ham’s Diafra Sakho has made the shortlist all three months of the season so far. His penchant for goalscoring has been rewarded, and his story is that of a great rise from seeming mediocrity. Brought in from French second tier team Metz for just over £3million, Sakho has settled in to West Ham, and has broken a record at West Ham, becoming the only player to have scored in six consecutive Premier league games; including a winning goal against champions Manchester City.
“The third player on the shortlist is Cameroonian Alex Song. On loan at West Ham from FC Barcelona, Song has proved an invaluable acquisition for the Hammers, being rock solid in the middle of the park and earning a few man-of-the-match accolades with his ability and effort since he arrived”.
Mame Biram Diouf of Stoke City won the August award, while Southampton FC’s Victor Wanyama was the winner of the September award.
The winner of the October award will be announced on 1 November.
