NFF Executive board member Otuekong Nse Essien celebrates his Academy and Club products after Enyimba’s CAF Confederation Cup win
NFF Executive Board Member Otuekong Nse Essien has taken to social media to celebrate three key players, Daniel Daga, Unwana Asuquo, and Jephta Clinton, for their contribution to Enyimba FC’s qualification to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The trio, all graduates of Essien’s Carabana Football Academy and FC ONE Rocket, played the full 90 minutes in Enyimba’s hard-fought victory over Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso.
Essien expressed his delight in a Facebook post, stating, “My boys, Daniel Daga, Unwana Asuquo, and Jephta Clinton, products of CARABANA FOOTBALL ACADEMY and FC ONE ROCKET, played full-time to qualify ENYIMBA to the group stage of the CAF Confederations Cup after eliminating Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso 3-2 on aggregate. Who say I no try?”
The contributions of these players, particularly Daniel Daga, who has also represented Nigeria’s U-20 team with distinction, have not gone unnoticed. Their journey from Essien’s academy and club to CAF Club competition with Enyimba FC reflects the impact of grassroots development in Nigerian football.
Enyimba’s thrilling victory came after a goalless draw across both legs, with the People’s Elephant eventually triumphing in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Following the match, Otuekong Nse Essien accompanied Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, who was present to witness the occasion, to the Enyimba dressing room where he personally congratulated the players and staff on their achievement. Gusau praised the team’s resilience and urged them to remain focused as they enter the group stages of the competition.
“These are your officials, please, don’t be talking about money all the time,” Gusau advised. “Money will come. Now you have won the match, whether you like it or not, you know you have earned something.”
Enyimba’s victory is significant, as they are Nigeria’s sole representatives in the group stage of CAF Club competition this season.
