Latest News

Meet Asuquo Ekpe, scorer of Nigeria’s first ever goal at the Africa Cup of Nations

Since Nigeria made her debut in the 1963 AFCON in Ghana, there have been a number of memorable moments. However, one of such moments was Nigeria’s first ever goal in the competition. This feat was achieved by Asuquo Ekpe, earning him a place forever in the history books.

Asuquo Ekpe made his international debut for Nigeria on 6 Oct,1956 against Togo. He played his club football with Welch XI, Lagos Railways, Secretariat FC, Ibadan Lions, and Western Rovers during his active footballing career.

Asuquo became the first Nigerian to score in the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring on the 73rd minute in a 6-3 defeat to United Arab Republic (Egypt). Nigeria also lost her second game four nil to Sudan a result that confirmed Nigeria’s elimination from the 1963 Afcon in Ghana.

The Nigerian eighteen-man player to the 1963 Afcon was led by Brazilian Jorge Augusto Pena who was the head coach of the Green Eagles as they were then called.

Asuquo Ekpe won “24 caps,14 goals”for Green Eagles during his career that lasted from 1956 to 1963.

He was the older sibling of another Green Eagles star Effiong Ekpe and nephew of the famous Etim Henshaw, Who played for Duke Town Primary & Secondary Schools in the 1940s-1950s and was captain of the first national team that tour UK in 1949. In the match against Dahomey on 2 Feb,1963, they ( Asuquo & Effiong Ekpe) became the first siblings to play for Nigeria in the same game. The went on to play together for Nigeria a number of times. This earned him the nickname “Ekpe Senior”.

Asuquo Ekpe died on 30th of January 2016 in calabar.

Attah Aaron

Attah Aaron has spent over six years with Idoma Voice. He writes on religion and health.

Recent Posts

Okoye reflects on Super Eagles return after two years

Maduka Okoye has reflected on his first appearance for the Super Eagles in two years.…

7 mins ago

Probe panel: Ortom defeats Benue state govt at appeal court

The Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, on Thursday set aside the ruling of the Benue…

14 hours ago

Police take action over murder of lawyer Mark Ofikwu in Otukpo

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of prominent Otukpo-based lawyer and…

15 hours ago

BREAKING: Reps reject bill proposing six-year single tenure for president, governors

A bill proposing a six-year single term for the office of the president and state…

16 hours ago

BREAKING: Senate approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77 Trillion loan request to address 2024 Budget deficit

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2b) loan request following a voice…

17 hours ago

Finland arrests Simon Ekpa, four others over terrorism financing

Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in Finland for involvement…

17 hours ago