Lagos - Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel are in the running for the African player of the year award.
Toure, who is from the Ivory Coast, is the defending champion favoured to win the title for a third year at a gala event in Lagos later on Thursday.
Drogba is also from the Ivory Coast, while Mikel is from Nigeria.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is favoured to win in his category after leading the Super Eagles to their first African Cup of Nations win in 20 years.