By Patrick Akoto
Ghana Football Association boss Kwesi Nyantakyi is backing striker Asamoah Gyan to win the coveted 2010 African Footballer of the Year award.
The Sunderland forward is one of the huge favourites to win the continent's top individual prize after being named in a 10-man shortlist by the Caf last week.
The former Rennes forward put up a sterling performance for the Black Stars at this year's African Cup of Nations in Angola in January and replicated that display at the Fifa World Cup in South Africa.
He bagged three goals to help Ghana reach the quarter-finals at the mundial.
"We as an FA are very happy with the fact three of our gentlemen have been nominated and it’s a sign of the kind of transformation that has happen to Ghana Football over the past years. We see it as a source of pride and the individual excellence have paid off," Nyantakyi said.
"Asamoah Gyan, Kelvin –Prince Boateng and Dede Ayew were all phenomenal and we’re very happy for the nomination. I’m very positive Gyan with all his performances at the African Nation’s Cup and the World cup especially could win the award."
Gyan is expected to face stiff opposition from other award contenders; Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Cameroon and Inter Milan attacker Samuel Eto'O Fils.