SportsNews

Etim Esin – The Star Who Destroyed Himself

Published

3 months ago

December 20, 2025

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.

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SportsNews

Chelsea mathematically out of title race after 3-0 defeat to Everton

Published

1 day ago

March 21, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Chelsea are now mathematically out of the Premier League title race.

This follows their 3-0 drubbing in the hands of Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday night.

Liam Rosenior’s men came into the match with 48 points, looking to keep pace with the teams in front of them.

However, Beto opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half, before adding a second after the break.

Chelsea barely threatened Everton and looked flat for most of the game, before Iliman Ndiaye added a third.

The result means the Blues cannot match the 70 points that league leaders Arsenal currently have with seven matches left.

Champions Liverpool are also on the verge of being mathematically ruled out, as they have 49 points.

SportsNews

Super Eagles player bounced me from Iheanacho’s room — Osimhen

Published

2 days ago

March 21, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, has claimed that a senior member of the Super Eagles squad in 2017 sent him away from a hotel room during his first call-up to the national team.

According to the 27-year-old, it was Kelechi Iheanacho who intervened and welcomed him inside.

Osimhen revealed this while appearing on a Twitch livestream with comedian, Carter Efe in the early hours of Saturday.

He said: “When I came, I met Iheanacho. And I told him, ‘ah, see me, I’m gonna carry your boots.’ So he said I should come to his room so, he gave me his room number.

“So, as I got to his room — I don’t just want to mention the name — he had a roommate. So, as I knocked on the door, the roommate opened the door. So, he like bounced me out of the room.”

Osimhen refused to reveal the identity of the player who sent him away.

SportsNews

AFCON 2025; Drama as Senegal Reportedly Relocates Trophy To Military Base After CAF Decision (Video)

Published

3 days ago

March 20, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Drama as Senegal reportedly relocates AFCON trophy to military base after Confederation of African Football (CAF) viral decision.

‎It would be recalled that CAF stripped Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, awarding it to Morocco instead.

This decision came after Morocco appealed the result of the January 18 final, where Senegal won 1-0 in extra time.

‎ According to the CAF Appeal Board, Senegal had forfeited the match due to their players walking off the pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations.

The controversy surrounds the AFCON final, where Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

In a clip circulating on the microblogging platform, X (formerly Twitter), a young man with glasses is seen holding the AFCON trophy surrounded by military personnel.

The clip captures the military personnel’s excitement as they support the trophy, with an officer recording the moment.

In a recent development, Senegal has announced plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with some officials and players expressing outrage and disappointment.