Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien has expressed his pride in never losing a match against eternal rivals Nigeria throughout his illustrious career, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder, who featured in two matches against the Super Eagles, won both encounters, including a memorable performance at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he scored a crucial goal.
In an interview with Joy Sports via Modern Ghana, Essien highlighted his rivalry with Nigeria and his personal satisfaction at maintaining an unbeaten record.
“My favourite game will be against Nigeria in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. I never lost against Nigeria while on the pitch,” he stated proudly.
Essien added, “I played in the friendly in London. I did not play in the match at the 2006 AFCON. If I’m on the pitch, we don’t lose. We were losing (referring to the 2008 AFCON match) and I scored.”
Essien’s goal in that 2008 quarterfinal, which helped Ghana overcome Nigeria 2-1, remains one of his most cherished moments in international football.
The former Black Stars star earned 59 caps for Ghana, netting nine goals, and was instrumental in helping the team qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006.
Throughout his career, Essien was a key figure for Ghana, representing the national team at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, although injury cut short his participation in the 2010 edition.
Now an assistant coach at FC Nordsjaelland, Essien officially retired from professional football in 2020.