File Etim

advertisement

The two ex-internationals were involved in a bitter war of words after Esin complained that Okocha disgraced him during a Christmas party at Okocha's house last December.

The former Lokeren star was accused of stealing a mobile phone during the party and he was searched as other guests looked on. But the feud was settled on Thursday when both former No. 10s met at the inauguration of Segun Odegbami's International Sports Academy in Wasimi, Ogun State.

Etim said the intervention of Odegbami, himself a prominent former international, and Oba Dapo Tejuosho was too strong for him to resist.

He told SUNDAY PUNCH on Saturday, "I have great respect for Odegbami and Oba Tejuosho. Odegbami was a big player in his days and the Oba is an honourable man, so there was no way I wouldn't listen to them.

"I also decided to let bygones be bygones in order to appease Nigerian football fans who were not happy that Okocha and I were not getting along. We hugged each other and the two of us said sorry like the elders advised, and Oba Tejuosho blessed us. He gave us his contact and said if we had any problem we should reach him. So I have forgiven Okocha.

"All I wanted was to clear my name and I'm sure Nigerians now know I'm no thief. I'm glad it's been dealt with and I want the new generation of footballers to learn to respect their seniors."

The former Flying Eagles star, however, insists that the legal aspects of the matter remain with his lawyer, Festus Keyamo.

He said, "Keyamo is currently out of the country and he will be back on Monday. When he comes he'll advise me on what to do, but I don't envisage any problems since the elders have intervened.

"I also hope to get my HiTv job back now that I've made peace with Okocha. My contract with them has not been officially terminated and I believe they will take me back now after everything."

Etim, who represented Nigeria at the World Youth Championship in Chile in 1987, worked as a football analyst on HiTv before the Okocha row led to his being asked not to return to the studios.