9ja Flavour Nigerian Footballers Abroad Off the Pitch

Nigerian striker Mfon Udoh hails NFF Board member Nse Essien during holiday visit

Caretaker August 6, 2024

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Mfon Udoh presents Bashandura Kings jersey to NFF Board member Rt. Hon. Nse Essien.

Nigerian striker Mfon Udoh recently visited Rt. Hon. Nse Essien, a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Board, to express his appreciation for Essien’s dedicated efforts in football development.

Udoh, who is currently on vacation from his club Bashundhara Kings in Bangladesh, paid a courtesy visit to Essien, who is a prominent club owner, former Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly member, and now serves as the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Sports.

In the 2023/2024 season, Udoh won the Bangladesh top-flight title with Bashundhara Kings adding to his past league successes in Nigeria, where he still holds the record for the most goals in a single NPFL season.

Mfon Udoh (With cap in front row) celebrating league title win with Bashandura Kings.

In 2014, Mfon Udoh won the NPFL Golden Boot and cemented his name in the history of the league with an unprecedented 23-goals while playing for Enyimba, smashing Jude Aneke’s 20-goal record.

During the visit, Udoh commended Essien for his significant contributions to football, particularly through his scouting programs and the creation of opportunities for players to engage in competitive football both within Nigeria and internationally.

“I wanted to appreciate Rt. Hon. Essien’s role in developing not just football, but also players,” Udoh said. “His efforts in scouting and creating opportunities are invaluable.”

Udoh also congratulated Essien on his recent election to the NFF board, calling it a well-deserved position. “I have always advocated for having knowledgeable people in sports management roles, and I’m pleased to see this happening. I congratulate our own boss and believe he will make a significant impact,” Udoh added.

Rt. Hon. Essien expressed his delight at hosting Udoh, describing him as a “bundle of talent, a leader both on and off the pitch, and a great mentor and inspiration to young athletes.”

A highlight of the visit was Udoh presenting the FC ONE Rocket owner with a jersey, a gesture honouring Essien’s longstanding contributions to the sport.