Essien relishes Nigeria vs Ghana matches during his playing days
Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien has named the Super Eagles of Nigeria as his favorite rivals, emphasising that he never experienced a defeat against them throughout his illustrious career.
In a recent interview with Joy Sports, the former Chelsea midfielder expressed pride in his unbeaten record against Nigeria, with the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash standing out as his most memorable encounter.
Reflecting on the rivalry, Essien recalled the importance of that 2008 AFCON match, where Ghana came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory, with Essien scoring a crucial equalizer. “My favorite game will be against Nigeria in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. I never lost against Nigeria while on the pitch,” he said. “We were losing, and I scored.”
Essien also mentioned that although he missed the 2006 AFCON match against Nigeria, his presence on the field in other encounters was always decisive. “If I’m on the pitch, we don’t lose,” he added.
Now serving as an assistant coach at FC Nordsjaelland, Essien remains a respected figure in African football. He officially retired from professional football in 2020 after a career that saw him represent Ghana at every level.
