Michael Essien 2–1 defeat of Zambia as the "Black Stars" secured qualification to the final round. He started in both play-off matches against Egypt and was named in Ghana's squad for the tournament finals. He made one appearance, coming on as a second-half substitute in the opening 2–1 defeat to the United States. Essien is a physically strong midfielder, who often plays in a central midfield role. He has often been touted as a box-to-box midfielder for his ability to exert energy in supporting both offensive and defensive play, and for his powerful and tough tackling playing style, which has earned him
Emmanuel Essien Emmanuel Essien Emmanuel Ibok Essien was elected Senator for the Akwa-Ibom North West constituency of Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, running on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) platform. He took office on 29 May 1999. Essien studied Electrical/Electronics Engineering at the College of Technology, Calabar (1975 - 1977), the University of Ife (1977 - 1978) and Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, graduating in 1982 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked with Mobil Producing Nigerian, taught at the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, and established an engineering construction company, as well as undertaking large-scale farming. In