Michael Essien was widely tipped to be one of Africa's next rising stars. Essien made his competitive senior debut in the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations against Morocco on 21 January 2002. but had played for Ghana in a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt on 4 January 2002. On 16 May 2006, Essien was selected to be part of the team that represented Ghana at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He played in midfield with team captain Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari. Essien played in Ghana's 0–2 defeat to Italy, their 2–0 victory over the Czech Republic, and the 2–1 victory
Essien Udim Essien Udim Essien Udim is one of the Annang speaking Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It was created out of the former Ikot Ekpene division and included the following clans in Annang land: Ukana, Adiasim, Ikpe, Okon, Nsasak, Ekpenyong Atai and, Ukana Ikot Ntuen,Odoro Ikot, AFaha. Historically, it was the most populated area among the Annang Land with its headquarters in Afaha Ikot Ebak. Currently, its chairman is Barr. Paulinus J. Idio. In Ikpe Annang there are fourteen villages which are:Ibam, Ikot Akpan, Ikot Ntuen, Nnung Iyang, Udok, Mbia Obong, Mbiabet, Ikot Ekpe, Ikot Eside, Ebe, Ikot