World football governing body, FIFA, has described legendary Nigerian midfielder Austin Okocha a born entertainer and a sensational talent.
FIFA stated this while celebrating Okocha who turned 47 years on Friday.
“A Super Eagle and a sensational talent,” FIFA wrote on their verified Twitter handle.
“Happy birthday to born entertainer Jay-Jay Okocha.”
Okocha featured at three editions of the FIFA World Cup in USA 1994, France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002.
He helped the Eagles into the round of 16 at the 1994 and 1999 World Cups and captained the side at the 2002 tournament.
At the 1994 edition he completed fifteen dribbles during the game against Italy, a World Cup record that still stands to this day since OPTA started collecting data in 1966.
And at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia he scored the 1000th goal in the history of the competition, converting from the penalty spot in a 4-0 win against South Africa in the group stage.
Also, he was voted the Most Valuable Player at the 2004 AFCON and was joint top scorer with four goals.
By James Agberebi
6 Comments
And CAF has surprisingly kept mum on this great guy’s birthday. So the one wey dem rob am of the african footballer of the year never do them???? Enemies everywhere.
The ever green icon. Okocha has unbelievable and uncommon talent .A legend indeed. I doff my cap and remain standing for Jay Jay Okocha
@Oakfield my brother, here’s CAF’s birthday statement:
CAF
@CAF_Online
Happy Birthday to former Nigeria international Jay-Jay Okocha!
An incredible talent who entertained millions with his silky skills and creative dribbling ability
Okay, @ banks, thanks. The world indeed needs to celebrate this dude….
Who is fooling who between CAF and FIFA?
This hard working Okocha won nothing in Africa and in the world. FIFA now recognized JJ today as a legend?
Hmm. Even, in Africa, he deserves African footballer of the year but they denied him that
title. won’t be deceived by this statement. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Happy birthday Mr. Okocha. God bless you. God bless Nigeria!!!