By David Olalekan.
A former Nigerian player, Etim Esin, has lambasted Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State for counseling Super Eagles youngster, Samuel Chukwueze to be wary of pride and not to emulate ex-internationals like him (Esin) and Tarila Okorowanta.
The governor who hosted the nimble-footed Villarreal forward at the Government House, Umuahia, shortly after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, advised the player to remain humble in order to avoid ending up like Tarila Okorowanta and Etim Esin who had the world at their feet but failed to excel because of pride.
“The easiest way to destroy your career is to become proud of what you think you have achieved. Once pride sets in, you are finished. I have seen players, good players who had the world at their feet but pride didn’t allow them to excel, players like Tarila Okorowanta and Etim Esin. Remain humble. Remember where you are coming from, your poor parents. Stay safe in Europe. Avoid drugs and drinking,” the governor told Chukwueze.
Esin, infuriated by Ikpeazu’s exhortation, hit back at the governor on his Facebook page.
He wrote: “Abia State Governor f**k you for using me and Okorowanta when a young chap came to pay you a visit.”
Etim Esin is a retired Nigerian footballer who was often regarded as one of Nigeria’s most gifted players in history.
He represented Nigeria at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship and featured in 6 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.