By Tony Ubani

Football critic and Special Adviser to Kano State governor on sports, Alhaji Shuaib Gara Gombe has faulted the emergence of Yaya Toure as African footballer of the year, insisting that the prestigious award should have gone to Nigeria’s John Mikel Obi.

Gara Gombe who was in Lagos to represent his boss during the Glo CAF award ceremony noted that Mikel did more last year for club and country to deserve the crown ahead of Toure.

”What did Yaya win with club and country to deserve the award? Nothing. But Mikel on the other hand was superb for Nigeria and Chelsea. He was part of Nigeria’s success story as well as that of Chelsea, so I don’t see why Yaya should win the award. I see it as conspiracy against Nigeria on the part of those that did the voting,” Gara stated.

Gara who was full of praise for Globacom for sponsoring the event, however faulted those who ran the show declaring that there were too many glaring flaws that must be corrected in subsequent editions.

”The organisers fell short in so many areas. There   were lapses in the areas of accreditation, VIP management, security, award presentation just to mention a few. Globacom as a company deserve a pat on the back for bankrolling the event, but Dr Mike Adenuga must ensure that competent people take charge. He has invested heavily into the project and the show must be world class.”