Etim John Reflects on Choosing Iwuayanwu Nationale Over Abiola Babes

Former Nigerian football star Etim John Esin, famously known as African Maradona, recently shared insights into his decision to sign with Iwuayanwu Nationale of Owerri rather than Abiola Babes of Abeokuta. Both clubs were among Nigeria’s elite teams at the time, but Esin recalls that Chief Emmanuel Iwuayanwu, owner of Iwuayanwu Nationale, personally incentivized him with a Peugeot 505 car. In contrast, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the owner of Abiola Babes, was frequently unavailable, which influenced Esin’s choice.

Reflecting on his career, Esin admitted that indiscipline was one of his weaknesses. He recounted a harrowing incident when he was shot while driving the Peugeot, which he attributed to his lack of self discipline. This event marked a turning point for him and led to his father finally accepting and blessing his football aspirations. Esin also mentioned his father’s initial reservations, preferring him to pursue education like notable players Adokie Amasiamaka and Segun Odegbami.

Esin’s story underscores the complex interplay of passion, discipline, and family support in the career of an athlete, particularly within Nigeria’s football legacy.

Editorial

Etim John Esin’s journey highlights the challenges and opportunities that shape an athlete’s career in Nigeria. His reflections on indiscipline as a setback remind us of the importance of self-management and maturity, especially in the world of sports, where talent alone is often not enough. Esin’s story also speaks to the influence of family, as his father’s eventual support was instrumental in his career. The generational tension between football and education reflects a wider cultural expectation, with families traditionally valuing academics over sports.

In today’s world, young athletes can draw from stories like Esin’s, learning that dedication to their craft must be balanced with personal responsibility. Esin’s life emphasizes the need for clubs to provide not only financial incentives but also mentorship to guide players in making disciplined, informed decisions.

Did You Know?

1. Iwuayanwu Nationale was one of Nigeria’s top football clubs in the 1980s and 1990s, known for nurturing many local talents.
2. The Peugeot 505 was a symbol of prestige in Nigeria during the 1980s, often associated with success and wealth.
3. Nigeria’s football leagues in the 80s and 90s offered limited financial and structural support, making players’ choices heavily dependent on personal connections and benefits.
4. Segun Odegbami, one of Nigeria’s celebrated footballers, also advocated for players to pursue education alongside football to secure their futures.
5. Football in Nigeria has seen tremendous growth, yet many challenges from Esin’s era, such as balancing talent with personal discipline, remain relevant today.