Leicester's Mahrez named African Footballer of the Year

Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez applauds fans after the game aganist Swansea City in Leicester, Britain April 24, 2016 REUTERS/Darren Staples/File Photo

ABUJA (Reuters) - Riyad Mahrez was named African Footballer of the Year on Thursday having helped Leicester City clinch a stunning Premier League title triumph last season. Mahrez was chosen ahead of 2015 winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sadio Mane in a poll of African national team coaches.

The result was announced at the annual Confederation of African Football awards in the Nigerian capital.

(Reporting by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis)