I Paid A Price For Racism In Europe – Etim Esin

He was the only Nigerian footballer with the most controversies during his football career. He had been compared to both Diego Maradona and then to Austin “JJ” Okocha. He was at the pinnacle of his career in Belgium when Daniel Amokachi was entering the football scene there. Both skillfull and deadly with the ball, he is capable of powering shots from both feet. His glowing career was cut short in the 90’s because of a rape allegation in Belgium and he has been trying to move on despite his misfortunes and misadventures.

Truly, the life and career of Etim John Esin, full of ups and downs, cannot be summarized into one interview. ARM’s Akin Akingbala sat down with Etim for this interesting piece.

Where did you grow up and how was your upbringing like before you became a footballer?

My upbringing was sound. I attended primary and secondary school in Oron Akwa Ibom state.

I attended convent primary school and my secondary school was at Methodist Boys High school in Oron. My late father was an adviser to governor Clement Isong of old Cross Rivers state. My siblings were born in UK. John, Mike, Raymond and Ekanem. They are still living there today as lawyer, engineer and bank professional. Education was key in our family. My orientation growing up was different from most footballers back then.

Tell us about your journey as a footballer from Nigeria to Europe and the national team?

 After my secondary school I joined Calabar Rovers in 1985, then Flash Flamingoes in Benin 1986, after that I was at Iwayanwu National in 1987. I played junior World Cup in 1987 before leaving for Belgium. I played for Ghent, Lockeren and Lierse football clubs.

My father tried everything while I was at Calabar Rovers to stop me from playing, he never wanted me to play football, it was after I made my name that he recognized me as his son. Back then footballers were looked upon as dropouts. My father was very proud when I played for Nigeria.

Since you left active football, little or nothing is known about you, what have you being doing?

Well I used to analyze European Premier League for hiTV cable network with pundits like Deji Omotoyinbo and Deji Tinubu. I scout for players as well.  

Many people remembered you as an indiscipline and trouble making football genius, what would you say to that?

Indiscipline I guess not, it was youthful exuberant I was too young to handle success. I was fighting for the welfare of Nigerian footballers back then so they gave me the indiscipline tag.

You survived gunshot, rape case, earthquake, etc. could you tell us about these incidences and how you are able to overcome each one?

I was lucky to survive an earthquake in Turkey. The gunshot wasn’t my making. My life has been fueled with jealousy and hatred. On my rape case, the girl that accused me gave birth to a white offspring. Her father, a pedophile, was sleeping with her then. The man was never at peace with me, a black guy, for going out with his daughter. Nigerian veteran sports journalist, Mumini Alao went to Belgium to investigate the incident. I paid a price for racism in Europe and it killed my career in Belgium.

What is your relationship with Nigerian ex-football internationals particularly Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha considering the comparisons and controversies (like the stolen phone brouhaha) about the two of you?

Jay Jay issue was just a misunderstanding, we have made up, moved on and forgive. I have put incident behind me. Segun Odegbami and oba Tejuosho made peace for us.

Your stay in the Super Eagles was rather short, why?

I didn’t last in football because of the rape problem. My short stay in super eagle was due to MKO Abiola’s incarceration in politics. The pillar of sports sent lawyers to Belgium for my case then until he was arrested and detained.

What’s your take on the situation of things in Nigerian football today?

My take on our league is to bring back our ex-international to get involved in the management aspect of the game, media and marketing.

 Is there match fixing in Nigerian football? In your own opinion, what are the panaceas that could make Nigerian league competitive and attractive?

Match fixing is everywhere and it is so sad, the Singapore guy said it all how he gamble is fortune on match fixing.

Do you think indigenous coaches are good enough to handle the Super Eagles going by Keshi’s accomplishments?

Keshi has proved himself, but sycophants might lead him astray. Nigerian coaches can succeed if given the tools and free hand to work, Keshi has proved that.

Could you tell us about your family?

My family is a very private affair. My wife Mariam is from Mali, we have a 15yr old daughter Magda and a boy Etim Esin Jr., all were born in Paris. I have been with my wife for 22yrs now.

What are your highs and lows in football?

Highest point is wearing Super Eagles jersey 1988 and lowest point was when we lost Sam Okparaji 1989.

What advice would you give to current footballers going by your experience?

Well, my advice for young players is to be disciplined in their career.

And lastly, any plans for the future?

Planning to release my autobiography soon, maybe a documentary on my life later.