₦airaland Forum

The Story of 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?”

Reflection: Indiscipline has destroyed many stars. Etim Esin remains one of the clearest examples of a destiny that slipped away.

What a story!

I remembered him so well.

In all you do, avoid pride!

It is just co-incidental that the person you wrote about is my uncle. Half of what you wrote about him is not true.... For instance, Uncle Etim Esin is not living quietly in Akwa Ibom state. He now lives in Lekki (quietly in his house there). He also has houses in Surulere and other parts of lagos... While the write-up about the armed robbers' incident is just 70% correct, the incident about rape is false. You need to understand his perspective.He did not rape anyone, I spoke with him about this incident myself, and the narrative he gave is quite different - it was a case of frame up. Uncle Etim John Esin that I know in person is not regretting anything... I can tell you that for free.

I know that we have several Ex-Super Eagles players on this platform too, probably reading this post. We need to celebrate our heroes. My uncle is a Living Legend, let's celebrate him while he is still alive.

DanielJones:
It is just co-incidental that the person you wrote about is my uncle. Half of what you wrote about him is not true.... For instance, Uncle Etim Esin is not living quietly in Akwa Ibom state. He now lives in Lekki (quietly in his house there). He also has houses in Surulere and other parts of lagos... While the write-up about the armed robbers' incident is just 70% correct, the incident about rape is false. You need to understand his perspective.He did not rape anyone, I spoke with him about this incident myself, and the narrative he gave is quite different - it was a case of frame up. Uncle Etim John Esin that I know in person is not regretting anything... I can tell you that for free.

I know that we have several Ex-Super Eagles players on this platform too, probably reading this post. We need to celebrate our heroes. My uncle is a Living Legend, let's celebrate him while he is still alive.

Hmmm...it is a small world. I also agree that it wasn't a case of rape because it was a popular stigmatization for any promising or successful black person among the Whites in those days.

OverCalculating:
Hmmm...it is a small world. I also agree that it wasn't a case of rape because it was a popular stigmatization for any promising or successful black person among the Whites in those days.

You shall know the truth and it shall set you free.

This is front page worthy.
@admin

Damn
No idea who this is
But from his relative up there
Seems he's aiit

Etim

If you are there, you are there. If you are not there, you are not there. There is nothing like, it seems like you are there.

Hmmmm. Memories. What a talented player

Omor see laps,, that's freaking intimidating
That's a leg 🦵🏼 a bodybuilder would envy any time any day....

Etim esin wey go dribble sote e go enter goal kick or throwing and go still de dribble outside pitch b4 e team mates go shout e name say e don comot pitch ....

DanielJones:
It is just co-incidental that the person you wrote about is my uncle. Half of what you wrote about him is not true.... For instance, Uncle Etim Esin is not living quietly in Akwa Ibom state. He now lives in Lekki (quietly in his house there). He also has houses in Surulere and other parts of lagos... While the write-up about the armed robbers' incident is just 70% correct, the incident about rape is false. You need to understand his perspective.He did not rape anyone, I spoke with him about this incident myself, and the narrative he gave is quite different - it was a case of frame up. Uncle Etim John Esin that I know in person is not regretting anything... I can tell you that for free.

I know that we have several Ex-Super Eagles players on this platform too, probably reading this post. We need to celebrate our heroes. My uncle is a Living Legend, let's celebrate him while he is still alive.

I remember your uncle back in the days in Ikeja with his Coupe. He likes OS sha.

Pls where is him? Pls somebody who knows his real address should quote me and tell us we want to reach out to him. Honestly I didn't know he is still alive.

I believe God has remember him for bringing this topic up about him.

Ecclesiastic 7: 28...pls go and read it. . It makes. Me believe that lucifer is female... women are real demons on earth

I never watched him play but I heard he was a very skillful player.

His case was more extraordinary (spiritual) than ordinary (physical).
Village people at work.

Lol...I no blame am Sha, e dey hard not to sample those snow bunnies , especially those ones with curves in tight jeans or those bbw with fat yansh ....Me and another one currently dey flirt, if una see her big whine yansh...oh lawd🥺.

The guy was very popular in late 80s and early 90s ,he was a delight to watch but somehow he disappeared from the media

Typical Efik - Calabar man.
Rubbish.
Anyone who Pities him should be flogged thoroughly!
If the story is fully accurate

cr7lomo:
Etim esin wey go dribble sote e go enter goal kick or throwing and go still de dribble outside pitch b4 e team mates go shout e name say e don comot pitch ....

Chai, I heard about him in my secondary school days but didn't watch him in action for once.

DanielJones:
It is just co-incidental that the person you wrote about is my uncle. Half of what you wrote about him is not true.... For instance, Uncle Etim Esin is not living quietly in Akwa Ibom state. He now lives in Lekki (quietly in his house there). He also has houses in Surulere and other parts of lagos... While the write-up about the armed robbers' incident is just 70% correct, the incident about rape is false. You need to understand his perspective.He did not rape anyone, I spoke with him about this incident myself, and the narrative he gave is quite different - it was a case of frame up. Uncle Etim John Esin that I know in person is not regretting anything... I can tell you that for free.

I know that we have several Ex-Super Eagles players on this platform too, probably reading this post. We need to celebrate our heroes. My uncle is a Living Legend, let's celebrate him while he is still alive.

What is he doing with a walking stick at 59 though

As s.xual as I am, there is still a powerfully balanced side to me.

First it was party, then abroad again. After Keshi told you. Mtchew

See

OverCalculating:
The Story of 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?”

Reflection: Indiscipline has destroyed many stars. Etim Esin remains one of the clearest examples of a destiny that slipped away.

Proverbs 7:26
[26]For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men.
Men, respect your destiny and flee from any trace of sexual immorality.

Reason why I don't blame Islam on how women should be treated .... women love to create intimidation, catastrophe, pains , disaster , confusion ... if women had more physical strength than men...just know that all men will be slaves and they will always celebrate it. .. the male specie is more supportive, compassionate, enduring understanding, flexible, sacrificing, forgiving, considerate than the female species...

cr7lomo:
Etim esin wey go dribble sote e go enter goal kick or throwing and go still de dribble outside pitch b4 e team mates go shout e name say e don comot pitch ....

Hahahahaha...
You are damn right.
You cant get dat kind of passion and skill from gen zees.

mysticwarrior:
I never watched him play but I heard he was a very skillful player.

I watched him play and he was without doubt the most skillfull ball handler I have ever seen play for the national team. His dribbles, passing, freekicks were leagues ahead of anyone at that time. Naturally gifted no doubt.

Pity he couldn't bring professionalism to his game and hus career never quite lifted off.

kristonium:
What a story!

I remembered him so well.

In all you do, avoid pride!

One Of the coolest nairalander that is always ready to come to the aid of others
Good morning sir!.

OverCalculating:
Hmmm...it is a small world. I also agree that it wasn't a case of rape because it was a popular stigmatization for any promising or successful black person among the Whites in those days.

Lol.
There were.many successful black players overseas then. Including the same person that warned him about white women, Steven Keshi. Roger Milla, John fashanu, John barnes , etc. na only him come. Ruud Gullit, Jean Tigana, Tresor, etc. all of them black men who were successful back then. And there were black men successful in European football since the 1960s . Keshi was warning Esin based on decades of past experiences by his predecessors..

A lot of Nigerians think that once they enter Europe e go be like home and also because of sexual liberty that there be bannies waiting to sample hot chocolate.

Etim Esin was warned by Keshi. No look at those white women. Be careful with the white women. Watch out for white women. He no hear, he suffer am.

White women have been empowered by femininsim and some of them use that power for evil means.

He was warned. He no hear.


I mean , Nigerians going overseas back then all got the talk. Be careful. You are a black man in a white man country. Watch yourself . Most of them did and even married white women self.

This writeup is unfair & like Insult on Injury to Etim Esin. There has been many similar writeups in the past.

If we can't celebrate him, let's allow him live his remaining life in peace.

mirrael68:
See

Proverbs 7:26
[26]For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men.
Men, respect your destiny and flee from any trace of sexual immorality.

For real….

Many still won’t listen…I also think indecent dressings from some ladies are causing more harm these days, even for young teens and youth.

Many would argue and become defensive. Some women indiscipline when it comes to dressing are part of today’s problems.

You can’t turn left, right or face front without seeing a deliberately sexually-dressed woman. This sounds simple but that’s just it.

Men are meant to be disciplined! But some women are not helping the matters.

sacajawea:
As s.xual as I am, there is still a powerfully balanced side to me.

First it was party, then abroad again. After Keshi told you. Mtchew

Infact Keshi back then was like a mentor to many African players arriving there. He knew what he spoke of. Person wey no listen to am go suffer well well