After the long controversy, speculation, suspension and uncertainty, it is now confirmed that soccer hero Michael Essien is officially married to Akosua Puni and she now officially presents herself as “Mrs. Akosua Puni-Essien”.

She appears in town wearing her wedding ring and the two were last spotted together on Monday at the Imperial Peking Hotel in Accra having a good time and again on Tuesday at a charity event organized by Essien.

It has also been confirmed that when news broke about a year ago that Essien was secretly getting married to his ex-lover, actress Nadia Buari, at a secret location in London, that marriage was actually between the footballer and Akosua.

The confirmation that Essien and Akosua are now officially husband and wife with two lovely children residing in the UK has sparked a debate on why and when he actually quit with Nadia.

Essien’s breaking up with Nadia reached the media almost at a time he was speculated to be dating Akosua.

Another grapevine debate on Essien’s marriage is a comparison between Nadia and Akosua. Questions are being asked on which of the two appears more beautiful on the outside, which of the two has a better inner beauty and attitude and which of the two would make a better wife for the footballer.

Clearly, Essien choice of Akosua as against Nadia means he has marked the script himself and made his choice.

After breaking up with Nadia, news broke in Ghana that she had secretly married a rich Nigeria based tycoon. Persons close to the actress, who pleaded anonymity, have however denied the claim.

Allegedly, Akosua and Essien jointly own a number of landed properties in both Ghana and Europe and she has been spotted in town cruising in some of his high-earned automobiles.

Akosua is a smart and intelligent lady. She has suffered a lot of bad-press, yet, she has hardly responded to any of them in a negative way.

She seems to be focused on playing her role as a wife and manager of one of the world’s best footballers as well as mothering his children.

Once upon a time, she was said to be dating hiplife musician Kwadee. Later, reports said she was dating former captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah.

However, no evidence was given to support these claims.