Former Super Eagles midfielder Etim Esin has revealed the emotional turmoil he endured after being left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, admitting that the disappointment pushed him into depression and drug abuse.

Speaking on the Play Zone Podcast, the ex-international described the omission as the biggest regret of his career, noting that he struggled to cope with the heartbreak.

Esin disclosed that the situation became so overwhelming that he contemplated suicide, having dedicated his ambitions to representing Nigeria on football’s biggest stage.

"My greatest regret was not playing at the World Cup," he said. "That led me to a lot of depression. I nearly committed suicide because I had a dream."

He also referenced a promise allegedly made by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who had assured him of a leadership role in the team before his incarceration disrupted those expectations.

"Abiola promised me if I win the election, you will captain the team to the World Cup. You know this life in a split second can just turn around. Abiola was locked up. World Cup was the only dream I had," he added. 

Esin further recalled the emotional weight of missing out on a historic moment for Nigerian football, revealing that even late goalkeeper Peter Rufai had acknowledged his absence during the tournament. 

"Even the late Peter Rufai, because he captained the team against Argentina, asked where the African Maradona was. So, you can imagine how it was very painful for me at that time," Esin said. 

He admitted that the pain of not making the squad led him down a destructive path, including the use of cocaine as he battled depression.

"Because, I would not believe after 90s, I would not also be part of the squad to the 94 World Cup. That’s why I went into drugs. I was so depressed that I went into drugs, I was taking cocaine," Esin concluded. 

Despite Esin’s absence, the Super Eagles enjoyed a memorable debut at the tournament, advancing from the group stage before suffering a narrow defeat to Italy in the Round of 16.

The squad’s performance remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated outings at the tournament.

Adeyemi Adewale