Paul Put explains why Mikel Obi did not win African Player of the Year

Head coach of Burkina Faso, Paul Put, has given reasons why John Mikel Obi, was beaten to the African Player of the Year prize at the Glo/CAF Awards held on Thursday, by Yaya Toure.

Put, whose team was beaten by the Super Eagles in the 2013 African Cup of Nations finals, said the Nigerian midfielder was not consistent enough for his club, Chelsea.
"The three nominees [Mikel, Yaya & Drogba] were superb in 2013 but to be honest with you, Yaya was the best because he was outstanding for both club and country," Put told Goal.

"I could have rooted for Mikel to win but not at the expense of Yaya who added goal scoring responsibilities to his dominance in the midfield of his country and club and put up man of the match performances too.

"Mikel does not get to play regularly for his club and I think that was a big minus for him. He has to work hard if he is to be crowned the next African Footballer of the Year."
The Belgian tactician, also expressed his disappointment, at not being named the best coach in Africa, ahead of Stephen Keshi.

"I'm very disappointed because when you are nominated on two fronts – with the team and as coach one would have expected to win one prize.
"I had expected the Burkina Faso team to win the team of the year because we took the continent by surprise. I am strong in victory.
"We have to take a cue from Nigeria because they are on top right now so we are doing everything possible to ensure we follow their footsteps. That is how we can move forward," Put said.