Super Eagles legend Augustine Eguavoen has named Austin Jay-Jay Okocha as the best teammate he's ever played with during his playing career.
Eguavoen made this known in a recent interview with FIFA.com's Faisal Chibsah. When he was asked the best all-time player he played with, the 58-year-old laughed and said “Jay-Jay Okocha.”
Okocha and Eguavoen shared the pitch for Nigeria's Super Eagles on 14 occasions between 1994 and 1998, with victories in five matches and defeats in six.
They featured in the final of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament in which Nigeria emerged victorious, with Eguavoen at right-back while Okocha paired up with the legendary Sunday Oliseh in midfield.
Okocha is widely regarded as one of the finest dribblers the game has ever seen. His exceptional ability to maneuver past defenders left a lasting impact on his playing career.
Now the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Eguavoen transitioned to coaching upon retirement, managing numerous clubs as well as the Super Eagles, Nigeria U-23, and U-20 teams to varying extents.
Okocha's career with the Super Eagles
Jay-Jay Okocha made his official debut for Nigeria during a 2–1 loss to Ivory Coast in a 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in May 1993.
However, it was not until his second cap, during his home debut, that he endeared himself to Nigerian supporters.
In a crucial match against Algeria where Nigeria trailed 1–0 and needed a win, Okocha scored from a direct free kick to level the score, ultimately helping the team secure a 4–1 victory and qualification to their first World Cup.
In 1994, Okocha was a member of both the triumphant 1994 African Cup of Nations squad and the World Cup squad, which reached the second round before losing to Italy.
His prominence grew further in 1996 when he played a pivotal role in Nigeria's Olympic gold-winning team at the Atlanta Games, dubbed the “Dream Team.”
At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Okocha featured for Nigeria in a disappointing campaign, reaching the round of 16 with less impressive performances, despite a thrilling opening win against Spain.
Nevertheless, Okocha's captivating skills earned him a place in the tournament's squad of the tournament.
Okocha returned to the Super Eagles for the 2000 African Cup of Nations, hosted jointly by Nigeria and Ghana.
He scored three goals in the tournament, including two in the opening game against Tunisia, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd as he exited the field.
Despite his efforts, Nigeria fell short in the final against Cameroon, with Okocha as captain, losing in a penalty shootout after tying the game 2–2 in extra time.
He continued to lead the Super Eagles in subsequent tournaments in 2002, 2004, and 2006, finishing each competition in third place.
Okocha made 73 appearances for the Super Eagles and scored 13 goals.
Exploring Okocha's club career: From Enugu Rangers to Paris Saint-Germain and beyond
Jay-Jay Okocha commenced his professional football journey with Enugu Rangers, a local club, before embarking on an illustrious career that took him across Europe.
In 1990, Okocha found himself at German club Neunkirchen, initially accompanying his friend Binebi Numa to training.
However, his exceptional skill on the ball caught the eye of the club's coach, leading to a short stint with the team.
A year later, Okocha made the leap to Bundesliga side FC Saarbrücken before joining Eintracht Frankfurt in December 1991.
At Eintracht Frankfurt, Okocha's talent flourished alongside renowned players like Tony Yeboah and Thomas Doll.
He etched his name in Bundesliga history with mesmerizing displays, including a memorable goal against Karlsruher SC, hailed as Goal of the Season and 1993 Goal of the Year by football enthusiasts.
Following Eintracht Frankfurt's relegation, Okocha embarked on a new chapter with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, where he showcased his prowess by netting 30 goals in 62 appearances.
His proficiency in scoring from direct free kicks became legendary, earning him admiration and even Turkish citizenship, adopting the name Muhammed Yavuz during his tenure.
In 1998, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured Okocha's services for a record-breaking fee of £14 million, marking him as the most expensive African player of his time.
During his four-year tenure with PSG, Okocha amassed 84 appearances and 12 goals, leaving an indelible mark on the French club.
He also played a mentorship role for a young Brazilian talent named Ronaldinho, who would later ascend to the pinnacle of football.
Okocha's journey continued with spells in England, representing Bolton Wanderers and Hull City.
His impact transcended borders, as evidenced by his instrumental role in guiding Bolton Wanderers to success in the 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup, where he played a pivotal role in securing victory alongside esteemed clubs like Aston Villa F.C. and ES Troyes AC.
Throughout his career, Jay-Jay Okocha captivated football fans worldwide with his unparalleled skill, innovative play, and passion for the beautiful game, cementing his status as one of Africa's footballing icons.
Is Jay-Jay Okocha the greatest Nigerian footballer ever?
The debate over who holds the title of the greatest Nigerian footballer ever is a topic that sparks impassioned discussions among fans and pundits alike.
In a nation blessed with a rich footballing heritage, the competition for this esteemed title is fierce, with luminaries such as Nwankwo Kanu, Rashidi Yekini, and Segun Odegbami commanding reverence for their contributions to the beautiful game.
Yet, amidst this galaxy of Nigerian footballing stars, one name shines brightest: Augustine Jay-Jay Okocha.
What sets Okocha apart as the greatest Nigerian footballer ever? It's a combination of factors that elevate him to legendary status.
Firstly, his unparalleled skill and artistry on the pitch set him apart as a true maestro of the game.
Okocha possessed a unique ability to mesmerise defenders with his dazzling dribbling, audacious flair, and impeccable technique, earning him plaudits as one of the most entertaining players to watch.
Okocha's impact extended far beyond individual brilliance. He was a leader both on and off the pitch, guiding the Nigerian national team to glory on multiple occasions.
His pivotal role in Nigeria's triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, coupled with his instrumental contributions to the Super Eagles' historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup, underscore his significance in Nigerian footballing folklore.
In addition to his international exploits, Okocha's club career spanned continents, with successful stints in Europe's top leagues.
From his scintillating performances in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt to his record-breaking tenure at PSG, Okocha consistently showcased his prowess on the global stage, earning accolades and admiration from fans and peers alike.
While the likes of Kanu, Yekini, and Odegbami undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Nigerian football, it is Okocha's unparalleled combination of skill, leadership, and global impact that cements his legacy as the greatest Nigerian footballer ever. His influence transcends borders, inspiring generations of footballers.
Okocha's accolades speak volumes about his stature in the world of football. He clinched the prestigious Nigerian Footballer of the Year award an impressive seven times throughout his illustrious career (in 1995, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005).
Furthermore, his remarkable contributions to the sport were recognised on a global scale when he was included in Pelé's list of the top 125 living footballers in March 2004.
Adding to his legacy, Jay-Jay Okocha's exceptional talents earned him a well-deserved place in the IFFHS All-time Africa Men's Dream Team in 2021, further solidifying his status as one of the continent's footballing icons.
