I never lost a game against Nigeria, says Ghana legend, Michael Essien

Ghana football legend, Michael Essien has named the Super Eagles of Nigeria as his favourite opponent, adding that he never tasted a defeat against their arch-rivals.

Speaking in an interview, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder said he is proud of his record against Nigeria.

According to him, the win against the Super Eagles during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations is ranked highest.

“My favourite game will be against Nigeria in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. I never lost against Nigeria while on the pitch. 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,” he told Joy Sports.

Essien made 59 appearances for the Black Stars, scoring nine times, and was part of Ghana's maiden team at the FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old played a pivotal role as Ghana secured their first World Cup qualification in 2006.

He also played at two Africa Cup of Nations, starring for Ghana at CAN 2008 before picking up an injury in his first match at AFCON 2010, ruling him out of the rest of the tournament.

Essien, who now works as an assistant coach at FC Nordsjaelland, remains one of the few players to have represented Ghana through all levels and announced his retirement from professional football in 2020.