Following the announcement of Yaya Toure as the 2013 African Footballer at the GLO-CAF Awards ceremony held in Lagos Yesterday, Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, has expressed his disappointment that Super Eagles midfielder, John Obi Mikel, did not win the award.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the ceremony was concluded,  Abdullahi said everyone in the hall wanted Mikel to clinch the award.

“I was hopeful that Mikel was going to win but it’s okay, he still has a long way to go; I mean there will be other opportunities.

“But I can assure you that Mikel is the winner because every Nigerian in this hall wanted him to win.

“I think that’s a good indication. For me that’s enough reason to celebrate. I congratulate Yaya Toure. In fact, he’s a great footballer.

“He’s an excellent footballer; he deserves the award. Yeah, we feel disappointed that Mikel didn’t win but better luck, next time,“ the minister added.