SportsNews
Etim Esin – The Star Who Destroyed Himself
Etim “African Maradona” Esin was a footballer whose raw talent shook Nigeria. Long before social media, stadiums filled to capacity across the country just to watch him play. Many even believed he was more skillful and better than Austin JJ Okocha.
He dazzled for Calabar Rovers and earned a place in Nigeria’s squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
But on a fateful night in camp, he broke curfew to go clubbing in Surulere, Lagos. On his way back, armed robbers attacked him and shot him in the thigh. His World Cup dreams—and his rising career—collapsed instantly.
Yet, despite his condition, the NFF treated him and still took him to the tournament half-fit, something unheard of in professional football.
It was said the same robbers returned to apologize, saying they didn’t know he was Etim Esin.
Although Nigeria performed poorly, his talent was undeniable. He was called up to the Super Eagles and secured a professional contract in Belgium. The national team was even being built around him.
Not long after arriving in Europe, Stephen Keshi—then a senior player—warned him about the danger of getting involved with foreign women, as false rape allegations against Black players were common.
But Etim did not listen. Soon, he was accused of raping a minor, a scandal so serious that he fled Belgium to avoid prison, abandoning his contract and his European future.
The allegation shut the doors of the Super Eagles and Europe forever. He couldnot go to USA’94 World Cup.
He returned to the Nigerian league, but his career never recovered. His fall created the space for Austin JJ Okocha to rise and become a legend.
Twenty-five years later, the allegation of rape was finally proven to be false. But the damages had already been done, his career and future destroyed forever.
Today, Etim Esin lives quietly in Akwa Ibom State, largely forgotten by Nigerian football. And I know that sometimes, as he sits alone, he must be wondering “What If? ” What Could Have Been?”
Indiscipline has destroyed many stars. Etim Esin remains one of the clearest examples of a destiny that slipped away.
Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been named the new captain of the Super Eagles ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
“Wilfred Ndidi has been named captain of the Super Eagles and says the responsibility means everything as Nigeria heads to Morocco,” the official Super Eagles X account posted on Friday.
Ndidi’s emergence as the team’s newest leader followed the retirement of William Troost-Ekong from the national team earlier this month.
Reacting to the announcement, Ndidi, who made his Super Eagles debut in 2015, described the responsibility as a “huge role,” calling on players and staff to work together towards the task ahead of the team in Morocco.
“It is a huge role, but I think with the help of the players, everything will go smoothly. I have had conversations with a couple of the older players to make them understand the reason why we are here,” the 29-year-old said.
He added, “I also need the support of the staff because we are all in this together. We have had conversations about the task ahead, and it is very important that we are all on the same page.”
The Super Eagles are in Group C of the AFCON alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, 1978 runners-up Uganda, and Tanzania.
Nigeria’s first match is on December 23 against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, where they will also tackle Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles (December 27) and the Cranes of Uganda (December 30).
At least 25 players in the Premier League are set to travel for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Nigeria, Ivory Coast, DR Congo lead the way in terms of players based in the English topflight, with four selected from each club for the AFCON.
FIFA has directed clubs to release the eligible players from Monday, December 15.
Full list of players confirmed
Sunderland (5):
Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Reinildo (Mozambique), Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo), Noah Sadiki (DR Congo).
Manchester United (3):
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco).
Fulham (3):
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), Calvin Bassey (Nigeria), Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria).
Burnley (3):
Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Lyle Foster (South Africa), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia).
Nottingham Forest (2):
Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast), Willy Boly (Ivory Coast).
Brentford (2):
Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), Frank Onyeka (Nigeria).
Manchester City (1):
Omar Marmoush (Egypt),
West Ham United (1):
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)
Wolves (2):
Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe), Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast).
Brighton & Hove Albion (1):
Carlos Baleba (Cameroon).
Crystal Palace (2):
Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal), Cheick Doucouré (Mali)
Liverpool (1):
Mohammed Salah (Egypt)
The Nigeria National League, NNL, has announced that matchday six fixture between Ranchers Bees and Adamawa United will be played behind closed doors.
The announcement was made in a statement by the league body.
Only the State Football Association representatives, staff of both teams, kit managers and medical personnel will be allowed into the stadium.
Others are the match officials, security personnel and camera men.
The reason for the decision to play the game without club supporters wasn’t stated by the league body.
The encounter will take place at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna on Saturday (today).
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