Here in the restuarants, cates and other places of entertainment of Belgium, once you annouce that you are a Nigerians, certain fols will reel out the names of certain Nigeran footballers who thrilled the fields of this land with the mesmerising skills. However, when that list gets to Etim Esin, there always is a pause and a shake of the head. For to folks, there was a star that burnt out before it could really shine. No, Etim did not burn out due to injury, or he lost his skill, or he got to old and coaches do not find his style no longer appealing. No, No. His was a case of not being able to handle fame. Just like Icarus, be believedtoo much in his own glitter, that he flew too close to the Sun and got burnt up. He revelled in the nickname Enfant terrible.
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. His escapade with teh daughters of Eve of every land and clime is still talked about today. Vestiges ofhsi amorous advntures still linger around, more than thirty years after he left the country in a rush.
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 could not 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.
I remember at a point in Lagos when ssome of the football stars and some retired army officers gathered to raise money for him. It was said then thhat he had bad health. Though some said he had then degenerated into substance abuse.
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 Esien remains one of the clearest examples of a destiny that slipped away. The star that wasted away in its own dazzle.
