Legendary Nigerian forward Daniel Amokachi says he will pick former teammate Austin Okocha in his midfield ahead of John Mikel Obi in a tough match involving the Super Eagles.
Amokachi played alongside Okocha, fondly called Jay Jay, in one of the best Super Eagles side ever produced in the 90s.
They both featured in the Eagles squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
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That same year, they were in the squad to the World Cup held in the United States with Amokachi scoring two goals.
At the 1998 World Cup in France, they featured for the Eagles.
Also, they were part of the U-23 Eagles that became the first African team to win gold in the football event at the Olympics during the games at Atlanta 1996.
And answering a question on who he will go for, Amokachi, speaking on his programme the “Bull’s Pit” on Brila FM, said: ” I remember against Italy he made history with the most dribbles in a World Cup match,” Amokachi said.
“When Jay Jay is in his element the opponent will not even see the ball. The through passes he will give is incredible. That’s the Jay Jay you want to pick.
“So left for me I will pick Jay Jay any time any day.”
Mikel never played with Amokachi in the Eagles but was in the same squad with Okocha at the 2006 AFCON where they finished third.
5 Comments
This is wayt covid 19 have caused.we are now playing mouthfutbal. Okocha/ Michel. Well both are good. But one is gudder than the other. I rest my case.
Pls Amokachi, stop talking about Mikel again.Afterall u didn’t win any African football player of d year as a player. but we greatly feel ur impact(both home $ abroad)on d pitch whether good or bad.we highly missed u, Okocha, Oliseh, Uche till now.
Who missed Mikel since When he quit?
Dumb message from a man I really like during his playing days, how can you even categorize jay jay and Mikel? That’s an insult to the person of jay jay I beg, jay jay is miles ahead of mikel.
Pls sir in what areas is Jay Jay miles ahead of Okocha. me I can say only in terms of dribbles. But as for trophies, no. individual honors, no. I don’t like comparing players. Each player have attributes different from the other. Jay Jay is different from Mikel, same way Mikel is different from Ndidi and every other players.
Ugwudede,
I lean more towards your position in this matter as there can be a sort of uselessness attached to comparing players at times. But if we must, I think it is advisable not to allow sentiments cloud our sense of judgement.
There is only one attribute that Okocha surpasses Mikel in which is dribbling abilities. Of anything else, it is ‘six of one and half a dozen of the other’.
Comparisons:
1996 vs 2016 Olympics: Although Nigeria won Gold in 1996 compared to Bronze in 2016, I think Mikel’s efforts were more felt in the latter than Okocha in the former. Mikel, playing an advanced midfield role, was the creative spark for the attackers and wingers to feed off. He created goal scoring opportunities and scored a goal. He was phenomenal against Germany in the semi-final where he almost created a goal (that Sadiq Umar spurned) and nearly scored (that the Germans defended last ditch).
Winner: Mikel.
1994 vs 2014: Okocha was simply amazing against Italy in the second round of the world cup. His dribbles were neat and purposeful whilst his ball retention bought Nigeria time before a fatal equaliser and latter, a penalty left how hopes in tatters. Mikel on the other hand against France in 2014 second round offered very little to efforts of surmounting the insurmountable. He lost possession in dangerous areas and failed to stamp his authority in match.
Winner: Okocha.
1994 vs 2013: Mikel had arguably his best season for Nigeria in 2013. He was near unplayable in the Africa Cup of Nations. He won the battle of the midfield against a well armed Ivory Coast set up whilst his cool calm and composed approach brought a serenity that helped propel Nigeria to the Afcon trophy. Okocha, for his part, played in the final against Zambia in the 1994 Afcon but the stage was dominated by others like Amuneke, Yekini and Adepoju. His contributions were good but not the deciding factor.
Winner: Mikel
Qualifiers: Mikel and Okocha served the Super Eagles in non-tournament matched with the former Bolton man never failing to enthrall and entertain. Mikel – in fairness – has had some forgettable matches for the Super Eagles where fans were happy to see the back of him.
Winner: Okocha.
Club Football: Super Eagles fans are shameless in their desire to see their footballers play for top clubs. Not only that, to then feature in the Champions League and Europa League competitions brings added hysteria. To then go on and lift this trophies is nothing short of overwhelming excitement for the Super Eagles fans. Mikel brought this home with his exploits at Chelsea.
Winner: Mikel.
To conclude, Okocha in your team can help win you trophies; Mikel in your team can help win you trophies. Each is unique in what he brings.