The 24-yar-old midfielder beat off competition from Ahli playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika and his Chelsea teammate Ivorian striker Didier Drogba.

He received nearly twice as many votes as Abou-Treika and Drogba, BBC said on their official website.

This is a second disappointment for Abou-Treika within one week after he failed to make the three-man shortlist for the CAF Player of the Year award despite his brilliant displays for Ahli and Egypt national team in 2006.

Essien has been instrumental this year, helping Chelsea retain their Premiership title as well as guiding Ivory Coast to the African Cup of Nations final and a place in the World Cup in Germany.

Egypt and Ahli midfielder Mohamed Barakat won the prize in 2005.