Super Eagles legend Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha a special “Superior Player of the Match” award for his impressive display in Nigeria’s dramatic 3–2 against Spain in their opening match at the France 1998 FIFA World Cup.
In a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday Okocha unveiled the silver trophy from a custom case.
“Hello, this is JJ Okocha. I’m about to unveil this special award being given to me by FIFA,” the 52-year-old said in the clip.
“It was given to me for winning the Superior Man of the Match in a World Cup game, Nigeria versus Spain 1998.
“Special thank you to Michelob ULTRA and Copa90 for this amazing recognition. I’m so honoured to receive it,” he added.
About The Award
The award forms part of a collaborative initiative by Michelob ULTRA and football content platform Copa90 to retrospectively honour standout displays from World Cups before the official Player of the Match award was introduced in 2002.
According to the organisers, they searched through archives to recognise deserving players across hundreds of matches.
Also Read: Okocha Is The Most Underrated Player In Premier League History —Arsenal Legend
How Super Eagles Stun Favourites Spain
Okocha and his Super Eagles teammates opened their 1998 World Cup campaign against a star-studded Spanish side who were tipped as one of the favourites.
Spain had in their team world class stars like Raul, Fernando Hierro, current PSG head coach Luis Enrique, Fernando Morientes, Ivan Campo, Santiago Canizares, Albert Ferrer and legendary goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta.
The Super Eagles went into the game as underdogs having lost their last three friendlies (1-0 to Germany, 3-0 to former Yugoslavia and 5-1 to the Netherlands).
But it was a different Super Eagles, inspired by a magical Okocha, that turned up that day as they stunned the Spaniards 3-2.
Okocha was unplayable as he dazzled in the midfield, going past his markers with ease while distributing passes all over the pitch.
Hierro gave Spain the lead from a free kick before Mutiu Adepoju headed home a corner kick from Garba Lawal to make it 1-1.
Early in the second half Spain went 2-1 up as Raul slotted home a long pass from Hierro, but the Super Eagles drew level following a howler by Zubizarreta who turned Lawal’s cross into his own net.
Oliseh Seals Super Eagles Win Against Spain With Memorable Strike
Then with 12 minutes left the Super Eagles went 3-2 up thanks a superb volley by Sunday Oliseh after a Spanish player nodded Okocha’s Okocha’s long throw into the midfielder’s path.
While the Super Eagles advanced alongside Paraguay into the round of 16, Spain and Bulgaria crashed out.
By James Agberebi
2 Comments
A great player. Okocha has no match in Africa. The Dribbling King.
You be man jare, your cousin iwobi dey look at you like this.
That boy never really actualize his full potential. Him and Ndidi needs to feezel out eagles, they been here for too long. We need to see what the young midfielders gatt to offer us.