Michael Essien Michael Essien Michael Kojo Essien (sometimes written in French: Michaël Essien) (born 3 December 1982) is a Ghanaian professional footballer. He has also been capped for the Ghana national team more than 50 times. Essien started his career playing for Liberty Professionals in Ghana. In 2000, he moved to France to join Bastia, where he would spend three seasons and appear in over 60 matches before joining Ligue 1 title holders Lyon in 2003. At Lyon, Essien won back-to-back league titles in 2003–04 and 2004–05 and also played in the UEFA Champions League for the first time. During his five-year
Emmanuel "Mannie" Essien children Michael and Eleanor. He lives in Mbiabong in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Emmanuel "Mannie" Essien Emmanuel Essien (born 26 March 1977) is a Nigerian radio presenter, voice over artist, singer, compere, and former actor. He was the host of the "Good Morning Nigeria" show on Nigerian radio station, 96.9 Cool FM, in Lagos. In March 2015, he was nominated for Hollywood's Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award in USA for best Nigerian On Air Personality. Essien was born in Jos Plateau in Northern Nigeria to retired principal Obong Jo. The last of six children, Mannie grew up in many parts