Popular Egyptian footballer Mohamed Abou-Treika on Thursday said he was "very proud" to have been nominated for this year's Africa-based player of the year.

"I'm really proud of this nomination. It's a boost and mental push for me in my career, especially as we're preparing for the CAF Champions League final second leg," the 34-year-old Ahly midfielder told the Confederation of African Football (CAF)'s official website.

The winner of the coveted award is set to be announced on 20 December.

Ahly are currently making a bid for their seventh African Champions League trophy. On 17 November, they will be hosted by titleholders Esperance of Tunisia in Rades, with whom they were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg last Sunday.

"This has been a special year for me, a year of sadness. But on the other hand, it has motivated me to go on and give all that I've got to win something and dedicate it to the Ahly martyrs, who lost their lives in Port Said," 2008's best Africa-based player added.

An Egyptian court is still looking into the deaths of 72 Ahly fans – and the injury of hundreds of other – in February's deadly Port Said stadium disaster.

Esperance player Youssef Msakni (Photo: Ahram Online archive)

When asked his opinion about other award nominees – Zambia's Stopila Sunzu and Rainford Kalaba, Cameroon's Yannick N'dkeng and Tunisia's Youssef Msakni – the Egyptian star voiced praise for all of them, stating a preference for his Tunisian opponent.

"They're all excellent players who had amazing seasons with their clubs and national teams. I believe they all deserve the award, and I hope the title remains in North Africa," he added.

"If I'm not the one to win, I hope Msakni clinches it," Abou-Treika went on. "Last year, Tunisia's Oussama Darragui won the award, and the year before it was my teammate, Ahmed Hassan. I hope the North African winning streak continues – be it me or Msakni."

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)