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{{Short description|Nigerian footballer (born 1973)}}{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}

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}}}}| image = Match legends 2017 CC (5).jpg| caption = Okocha playing in a 2017 charity match!rowspan=“2“|Club!rowspan=“2“|Season!colspan=“3“|League!colspan=“2“|National Cup!colspan=“2“|League Cup!colspan=“2“|Continental!colspan=“2“|Total!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!colspan=“2“|Total!90!!18!!8!!2!!colspan=“2“|–!!18!!5!!116!!25!colspan=“2“|Total!62!!30!!3!!1!!1!!0!!10!!1!!76!!32!colspan=“2“|Total!84!!12!!4!!0!!8!!1!!17!!7!!112!!20!colspan=“2“|Total!124!!14!!4!!0!!7!!4!!7!!0!!142!!18!colspan=“3“|Career total!378!!74!!19!!3!!17!!5!!52!!13!!465!!95

TITLE = THE PFA FOOTBALLERS’ WHO’S WHO 2008–09

PUBLISHER = MAINSTREAM PUBLISHING

PAGE = 319,

1973

14|df=y}}| birth_place = Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

PUBLISHER=PREMIER LEAGUE, 15 May 2022, | position = Attacking midfielder

Rangers International F.C.>Enugu Rangers| youthyears1 = | years1 = 1990–1992| clubs1 = Borussia Neunkirchen| caps1 = 35| goals1 = 7| years2 = 1992–1996| clubs2 = Eintracht Frankfurt| caps2 = 90| goals2 = 18| years3 = 1996–1998

Fenerbahçe S.K. (football team)>Fenerbahçe| caps3 = 62| goals3 = 30| years4 = 1998–2002| clubs4 = Paris Saint-Germain| caps4 = 84| goals4 = 12| years5 = 2002–2006

Bolton Wanderers F.C.>Bolton Wanderers| caps5 = 124| goals5 = 14| years6 = 2006–2007

Qatar Sports Club>Qatar SC| caps6 = 41| goals6 = 6| years7 = 2007–2008

Hull City A.F.C.>Hull City| caps7 = 18| goals7 = 0| years8 = 2012| clubs8 = Durgapur Vox Champions| caps8 = 0| goals8 = 0| totalcaps = 454| totalgoals = 89| nationalyears1 = 1993–2006

Nigeria national football team>Nigeria| nationalcaps1 = 73| nationalgoals1 = 14

Men’s football}}{{MedalCountry|{{fb|NGA}}}}{{MedalCompetition|Africa Cup of Nations}}{{Medal|W|1994 Tunisia|}}{{Medal|RU|2000 Ghana–Nigeria|}}{{Medal|3rd|2002 Mali|}}{{Medal|3rd|2004 Tunisia|}}{{Medal|3rd|2006 Egypt|}}{{MedalOlympic}}{{Medal|G|1996 Atlanta|}}}}Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha ({{IPAc-en|É™|ˈ|k|É’|tʃ|É™}} {{respell|É™|KOTCH|É™}}; born 14 August 1973) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He won 73 caps for the Nigeria national team between 1993 and 2006, scoring 14 goals, and was a member of three FIFA World Cup squads. He is regarded as one of the greatest football players from Africa.WEB, Okocha - How Football world celebrated Bolton and Nigeria legend at 47,www.goal.com/en-ng/news/okocha-how-football-world-celebrated-bolton-and-nigeria/1vnqs1wlclhs1fu2oevsh8izo, 28 January 2022, goal.com, He played across multiple leagues, starting his career at Enugu Rangers in the Nigerian Professional Football League before moving to Borussia Neunkirchen in the Oberliga Südwest, Germany’s third division, in July 1990. He would play in the Bundesliga, Süper Lig, Ligue 1, Premier League, EFL Championship, and Qatar Stars League before his retirement in 2008. Club career Okocha was born in Enugu, Enugu State. The name “Jay-Jay” was passed down from his elder brother James, who started playing football first; his immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-Jay, but the name stuck with him instead. He began playing football on the streets just like many other football stars, usually with a makeshift ball.{{cn|date=June 2022}}In an interview with BBC Sport he said, “As far as I can remember, we used to play with anything, with any round thing we could find, and whenever we managed to get hold of a ball, that was a bonus! I mean it was amazing!” In 1990, he joined Enugu Rangers. In his time at the club he produced many spectacular displays, including one where he rounded off and scored a goal against experienced Nigerian goalkeeper Willy Okpara in a match against BCC Lions of Gboko. Later that year, he went on holiday to West Germany, the country that had just won the 1990 FIFA World Cup, so he could watch German league football.WEB, IFFHS,www.iffhs.com/index.php/legends/167, 31 May 2021, www.iffhs.com, His friend Binebi Numa was playing in the Third Division for Borussia Neunkirchen, and one morning Okocha accompanied Numa to training, where he asked to join in. The Neunkirchen coach was impressed with Okocha’s skills and invited him back the next day before offering him a contract.JOURNAL, Massarella, Louis, September 2004, Sleight, Hugh, So good they named him twice, FourFourTwo, Teddington, Haymarket Magazines, 121, 72–6, 1355-0276, A year later, he joined 1. FC Saarbrücken, but stayed only a few months with the 2. Bundesliga side before a move to the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.WEB, Blackcoin, 7 March 2021, Okocha helped change football in Germany, says Felix Agu,bsnsports.com.ng/okocha-helped-change-football-in-germany-says-felix-agu/, 31 May 2021, BSN Sports, en-GB, 23 November 2021,web.archive.org/web/20211123175456/https://bsnsports.com.ng/okocha-helped-change-football-in-germany-says-felix-agu/, dead, Eintracht Frankfurt Okocha joined Eintracht Frankfurt in December 1991, where he linked up with many well-known players including Ghanaian international striker Tony Yeboah and later Thomas Doll. He continued to shine for the German side, one highlight being a goal he scored against Karlsruher SC, dribbling in the penalty box, even going past some players twice, and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.WEB,www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjkYmTKHq0g&NR=1, jay jay okocha vs KSC, YouTube, 27 July 2009, 13 October 2012, The goal was voted Goal of the Season by many football magazines, and also voted as 1993 Goal of the Year by viewers of Sportschau (an ARD German TV sports programme).WEB,www.sportschau.de/tdm/archiv/chronik90er/august1993tdm100.html, August 1993 - Okocha, 14 July 2014, dead,www.sportschau.de/tdm/archiv/chronik90er/august1993tdm100.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20140714231339www.sportschau.de/tdm/archiv/chronik90er/august1993tdm100.html,">web.archive.org/web/20140714231339www.sportschau.de/tdm/archiv/chronik90er/august1993tdm100.html, 14 July 2014, In 1995, Okocha, Yeboah and Maurizio Gaudino were all involved in a feud with manager Jupp Heynckes, which led to their departure from the club.WEB, 8 May 2020, Jay Jay Okocha: “I dribble racist in Germany to pay them back”,www.kick442.com/jay-jay-okocha-i-dribble-racist-in-germany-to-pay-them-back/, 31 May 2021, KICK442, en-GB, 23 November 2021,web.archive.org/web/20211123175454/https://www.kick442.com/jay-jay-okocha-i-dribble-racist-in-germany-to-pay-them-back/, dead, Yeboah and Gaudino later left for England, while Okocha stayed until the end of the season when Eintracht were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga, before signing for Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe. In the Bundesliga he scored 18 goals in 90 matches.WEB,www.rsssf.org/players/okochadata.html, Augustine Okocha - Matches and Goals in Bundesliga, Matthias, Arnhold, 13 January 2022, 21 January 2022, Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation, RSSSF.com, Fenerbahçe Okocha joined Turkish club Fenerbahçe for approximately £1 million following Eintracht Frankfurt’s relegation to the 2. Bundesliga. In his two seasons with the team, he amassed 30 goals in 62 appearances, many of them coming from direct free kicks, which became something of a trademark for him at the club.WEB,the234project.com/people/nigeria/jay-jay-okocha/, Jay-Jay Okocha, Olulana, Deji, 4 January 2017, PR2J3C4 - Nigeria @ Her Best, en-US, 3 May 2019, Okocha acquired Turkish citizenship during his time at the club and chose the name Muhammed Yavuz while playing.Augustin Okocha Profile @ TFF.orgNEWS, Okocha: “Fenerbahçe’ye hoca olmak istiyorum”,ajansspor.com/haber/okocha-fenerbahceye-hoca-olmak-istiyorum-289592, ajansspor.com, 7 February 2019, 8 February 2019, tr,archive.today/20190208133250/https://ajansspor.com/haber/okocha-fenerbahceye-hoca-olmak-istiyorum-289592, 8 February 2019, live, Paris Saint-Germain In 1998, French side Paris Saint-Germain spent around £14 million to sign Okocha, making him the most expensive African player at the time. In his four-year stint with PSG, he played 84 matches and scored 12 goals. He also served as a mentor for young Brazilian footballer and future Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho during his time in Paris.NEWS, Okocha: Local Players Not ‘Ripe’ Yet,www.thisdaylive.com/articles/okocha-local-players-not-ripe-yet/115865/, Thisday Live, 15 May 2012, 27 August 2012, dead,www.thisdaylive.com/articles/okocha-local-players-not-ripe-yet/115865/," title="web.archive.org/web/20141015093537www.thisdaylive.com/articles/okocha-local-players-not-ripe-yet/115865/,">web.archive.org/web/20141015093537www.thisdaylive.com/articles/okocha-local-players-not-ripe-yet/115865/, 15 October 2014, In the 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup Okocha would go on to score 5 goals and help them win it along Aston Villa F.C. and ES Troyes AC. Bolton Wanderers On 18 June Okocha joined Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer after leaving PSG in the summer of 2002 following the FIFA World Cup.NEWS, Okocha joins Bolton,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bolton_wanderers/2051436.stm, BBC Sport, 18 June 2002, 24 August 2011, His debut season, despite being hampered by injuries, made him a favourite with the Bolton fans, with the team printing shirts with the inscription “Jay-Jay – so good they named him twice”. He steered the team away from relegation with seven goals, including one later voted the team’s Goal of the Season in the vital league win against West Ham United.WEB,mannyroad.com/bolton-wanderers-jay-jay-okocha/05/10/2008/, Desert Island Goals: Jay-Jay Okocha v West Ham, Manny Road, 5 October 2008, 13 October 2012, dead,mannyroad.com/bolton-wanderers-jay-jay-okocha/05/10/2008/," title="web.archive.org/web/20111006234648mannyroad.com/bolton-wanderers-jay-jay-okocha/05/10/2008/,">web.archive.org/web/20111006234648mannyroad.com/bolton-wanderers-jay-jay-okocha/05/10/2008/, 6 October 2011, This was also chosen as Bolton’s best ever Premier League goal by a fan vote in 2008.WEB,www.theboltonnews.co.uk/wanderers/3741478.Jay_Jay_s_triumph_in_our_best_goal_vote/, Jay-Jay’s triumph in our best goal vote, The Bolton News, 9 October 2008, 13 October 2012, dead,www.theboltonnews.co.uk/wanderers/3741478.Jay_Jay_s_triumph_in_our_best_goal_vote/," title="web.archive.org/web/20090424181842www.theboltonnews.co.uk/wanderers/3741478.Jay_Jay_s_triumph_in_our_best_goal_vote/,">web.archive.org/web/20090424181842www.theboltonnews.co.uk/wanderers/3741478.Jay_Jay_s_triumph_in_our_best_goal_vote/, 24 April 2009, The next season saw Okocha receive more responsibility as he was given the captain’s armband following Guðni Bergsson’s retirement. As captain he led Bolton to the 2004 Football League Cup final, their first cup final in nine years, where they finished runners-up to Middlesbrough.WEB, Pereira, Bimpe, 9 July 2019, Passion For Football - The Untold ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha Story,www.brila.net/passion-for-football-the-untold-jay-jay-okocha-story/, 31 May 2021, Latest Sports News In Nigeria, en-US, In 2006, Okocha was stripped of the captaincy—something he said he had seen coming, as there had been a change in attitude from some staff members. This was likely due to his proposed move to the Middle East, which had been the subject of growing speculation. At the end of the season, he refused a one-year extension in order to move to Qatar.WEB, Bimpe, Pereira, 20 May 2020, The Story Behind Jay Jay Okocha Passion For Football,www.sports247.ng/the-story-behind-jay-jay-okocha-passion-for-football/, 31 May 2021, Latest Sports and Football News in Nigeria {{!, Sports247|language=en-US}}Following Bolton’s relegation from the Premier League in 2012, Okocha stated that his spell at the club was now rendered a waste of time, because the club had not invested and improved on the foundations that were laid during his time there.WEB,www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/9726365.Jay_Jay_drops_a_bombshell/, Jay Jay drops a bombshell, The Bolton News, 25 May 2012, 13 October 2012, Marc, Iles, In 2017, Okocha was voted the best player to have ever played for Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok/Macron Stadium.WEB, Norris, Emma, Greatest BL6 Players: 5-1,www.bwfc.co.uk/news/2017/september/greatest-bl6-players-5-1/, Bolton Wanderers, 17 March 2022, 29 September 2017, Hull City After just one season in Qatar, Football League Championship side Hull City signed Okocha on a free transfer in 2007, after the player had been linked to Real Salt Lake and Sydney FC. It was a move he made saying that “God had told him to do so”.WEB, Olamilekan, Adewole, 2023-07-18, From Nigeria to England: Reliving Okocha’s Unforgettable Moments with Bolton Wanderers {{!, Gistlegit |url=https://gistlegit.com/okochas-unforgettable-moments-with-bolton-wanderers/ |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Gistlegit}} He was however unable to contribute greatly to Hull’s promotion campaign due to fitness and constant injury problems, playing only 18 games and scoring no goals. Hull still succeeded in winning promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their 104-year history. At the end of the season, after changing his mind on a proposed retirement due to Hull’s promotion, he was released by the club, which ultimately sent him into retirement.WEB, jay jay okocha brother,plumbersinsurance.net.au/ypldxl9w/jay-jay-okocha-brother-c443f9, 31 May 2021, plumbersinsurance.net.au, 2 June 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210602213343/https://plumbersinsurance.net.au/ypldxl9w/jay-jay-okocha-brother-c443f9, dead, In 2012 he came out of retirement and signed with Bengal Premier League Soccer team Durgapur Vox Champions. However, the season was postponed and the league itself folded in 2013 before him making any appearance for the team.WEB, Indians insist their cash-rich football circus can still fly high,www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/indians-insist-their-cashrich-football-circus-can-still-fly-high-7561606.html, The Independent, WEB, I want to be part of history: Jay Jay Okocha,www.sportskeeda.com/sports/i-want-to-be-part-of-history-jay-jay-okocha, sportskeeda, International career Okocha made his official debut for Nigeria in their 2–1 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier away loss against Ivory Coast in May 1993. It was not until his second cap and home debut that he became a favourite with the Nigerian supporters. With Nigeria trailing 1–0 against Algeria, in a match they needed to win, he scored from a direct free kick to equalise, before helping the team to a 4–1 win, eventually securing qualification to their first World Cup. In 1994, he was a member of both the victorious 1994 African Cup of Nations squad1994 Africa Cup of Nations squads#Nigeria1994 Africa Cup of Nations#Caf Team of Tournament and the World Cup squad who made it to the second round before losing a dramatic match against eventual runners-up Italy.In 1996, Okocha became a key member of an arguably more successful Nigerian side, their Olympic gold winning side at the Atlanta Games, later nicknamed the “Dream Team” by the Nigerian press after the USA 1992 Olympics gold winning basketball team, as they overcame Brazil in the semi-finals, before coming back from 2–0 down to 3–2 up against Argentina in the final. At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Okocha played for a disappointing Super Eagles side who failed to live up to expectations, again reaching the round of 16, albeit with less impressive performances save for their 3–2 opening win against Spain. This did not destroy interest in Okocha, who had entertained fans with his trademark skills and dribbles and went on to be named in the squad of the tournament.BOOK, Orr, Tamra, Jay-Jay Okocha, 2006, MITCHELL LANE, 1-58415-493-4, 690752547, {{Citation|last=De Michele|first=Carmen|title=African American Studies Center|chapter=Okocha, Augustine Azuka|date=8 December 2011|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-530173-1|doi=10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.49698}}Okocha again joined the Super Eagles in the 2000 African Cup of Nations, which Nigeria co-hosted with Ghana. He scored three goals in the tournament, two in the opening game against Tunisia, and was given a standing ovation by the nearly 60,000 in attendance when he left the field. The Super Eagles then went all the way to the final against Cameroon, with Okocha captaining his side and scoring the equaliser to tie the game 2–2 before losing in the penalty shootout at the end of extra time. He then captained the Super Eagles to the following 2002, 2004 and 2006, consecutively finishing all three tournaments in third place.He made a return to the Super Eagles for a testimonial against an African select side in Warri. The game featured former players Daniel Amokachi, Alloysius Agu, John Fashanu, Benjani and Sulley Muntari. Nigeria won the match 2–1 with Okocha scoring the winning goal after appearing for the side in the second half.WEB, 26 July 2020, Okocha, Mikel, Yak, Kanu or Yobo – Who is the best Super Eagles skipper? – Futbal Galore,futbalgalore.com.ng/2020/07/26/okocha-mikel-yak-kanu-or-yobo-who-is-the-best-super-eagles-skipper/, 31 May 2021, en-US, In March 2004, he was named one of the top 125 living footballers by Pelé.WEB, Pele’s 125 Greatest Footballers Included Some Seriously Bizarre Choices,www.sportbible.com/football/news-reactions-fails-pele-once-named-his-125-greatest-players-20201023, 31 May 2021, sportbible.com, 23 October 2020, en, Style of play A quick, talented, agile, and skilful playmaker, Okocha usually played as an attacking midfielder, and is widely considered by pundits internationally as the best Nigerian footballer ever, and as one of the best African players of all time.WEB,news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/4430583.stm, Is Okocha the best African ever?, BBC Sport, 11 April 2005, 31 October 2015, WEB,www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/24450345, History of the BBC African Footballer of the Year award, BBC Sport, Piers Edwards, 13 October 2015, 31 October 2015, NEWS,www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/oneill-seeks-okocha-to-add-flair-in-midfield-70877.html, O’Neill seeks Okocha to add flair in midfield, The Independent, Nixon, Alan, 25 February 2004, 3 July 2020, WEB,www.goal.com/it/notizie/jay-jay-okocha-il-fantasista-nigeriano-che-ha-stupito-ronaldinho/blt91dc180d8485d788, Jay-Jay Okocha: il fantasista nigeriano che ha stupito Ronaldinho, Jay-Jay Okocha: the Nigerian playmaker who amazed Ronaldinho, www.goal.com, it, 11 December 2022, 16 November 2023, WEB,www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/jay-jay-okocha-the-dazzling-dribbler-who-danced-his-way-into-football-greatness, Jay-Jay Okocha: The dazzling dribbler who danced his way into football greatness, FIFA.com, 27 April 2023, 16 November 2023, Okocha was known for his confidence and clever trickery with the ball, technique, creativity, flair, close control, and smooth dribbling skills, as well as his turn of pace and his use of feints, in particular his version of the stepover (nicknamed the Okocha stepover) and his trademark turns.NEWS,www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2403268/Okochas-dazzling-feet-set-Allardyce-off-on-survival-jig.html,ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2403268/Okochas-dazzling-feet-set-Allardyce-off-on-survival-jig.html, 12 January 2022, subscription, live, Okocha’s dazzling feet set Allardyce off on survival jig, The Telegraph, Sam Wallace, 12 May 2003, 31 October 2015, {{cbignore}}WEB,www.goal.com/en/lists/african-legends-cup-of-nations-etoo-vs-okocha/1elem2ludicww16r63f4xy5sjt, African Legends Cup of Nations: Eto’o vs Okocha, www.goal.com, Dove, Ed, 15 May 2020, 4 July 2020, WEB,bleacherreport.com/articles/1856678-20-football-tricks-and-the-players-who-invented-them, 20 Football Tricks and the Players Who Invented Them, Bleacher Report, Hayward, Joshua, 24 November 2013, 4 July 2020, In 2012, Allan Jiang of Bleacher Report rated Okocha as one of the greatest dribblers of all time.WEB,bleacherreport.com/articles/1037524-50-greatest-dribblers-in-world-football-history, 50 Greatest Dribblers in World Football History, Bleacher Report, Jiang, Allan, 25 January 2012, 16 November 2023, Due to his range of passing, Okocha was capable of creating chances for teammates; he was also known for his ability to produce long throw-ins. While not being particularly prolific or consistent in his finishing or goalscoring,NEWS,www.theguardian.com/football/2004/aug/16/match.charltonathletic, Okocha leaves Charlton with nothing but shame, The Guardian, Ingle, Sean, 16 August 2004, 16 November 2023, NEWS,theathletic.com/3177640/2022/03/23/analysing-europes-free-kick-takers-the-good-the-bad-and-the-brilliance-of-james-ward-prowse/, Analysing Europe’s free-kick takers: the good, the bad and the brilliance of James Ward-Prowse, The Athletic, Carey, Mark, 23 March 2022, 16 November 2023, Okocha, possessed a powerful shot from long range and was an effective free-kick taker, which saw him score some spectacular and ingenious goals through his career.WEB,www.goal.com/en-gh/news/4375/editorials/2015/08/21/14431712/jay-jay-okocha-nigerias-aesthetic-maestro, Jay-Jay Okocha: Nigeria’s Aesthetic Maestro, Goal.com, 16 November 2023, WEB,www.premierleague.com/video/single/60407#!, The best of Jay Jay Okocha, www.premierleague.com, 16 November 2023, WEB,www.goal.com/en/news/african-legends-okocha-or-kanu-who-was-the-greater-player/dv6v99cu8xsr1ovojkzcqkrnp, Okocha or Kanu: Who was the greater player?, www.goal.com, 15 May 2020, 16 November 2023, WEB,www.cnn.com/2017/09/26/football/jay-jay-okocha-psg-neymar/index.html, Jay-Jay Okocha: I’m jealous of PSG’s current players, CNN, Davies, Amanda, Stokes, David, 26 September 2017, 16 November 2023, Due to his skill and nickname, he was described as being ‘so good that they named him twice’ (a line immortalised in a terrace chant while Okocha played for Bolton Wanderers).WEB,www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/06/match.sport1, Okocha leads by example, The Guardian, Ed Jones, 6 April 2003, 31 October 2015, He is still remembered by Fenerbahçe fans as one of the legends of the club and the Turkish football league. In addition to being an inspiration for many other African footballers, such as Asamoah Gyan,WEB,www.goal.com/en/news/okocha-one-of-greatest-ever-players-for-africa-could-play-with-ronaldinho-on-bench-gyan/blt80103d02a668e514, Okocha one of greatest ever players for Africa, could play with Ronaldinho on bench - Gyan, www.goal.com, 20 December 2022, 16 November 2023, Okocha also was a major influence on the playing style of several other footballers across the globe, including German playmaker Mesut Özil,WEB,www.goal.com/en/news/ozil-honoured-to-meet-childhood-idol-okocha-at-fenerbahce/bltccd62cebe789d9f9, Ozil honoured to meet ‘childhood idol’ Okocha at Fenerbahce, www.goal.com, 10 December 2021, 16 November 2023, as well Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho, whom Okocha played alongside during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. Okocha became known as the “African Maradona” in the media, due to his skill and decisive performances for his country.WEB,www.goal.com/it/notizie/carriera-jay-jay-okocha/1s5ugf41sn3r71mtprhrzpj8mq, Magie senza frontiere: la carriera di Jay-Jay Okocha, Examples of magic without borders: the career of Jay-Jay Okocha, www.goal.com, it, 14 August 2022, 16 November 2023, Despite his ability, however, he was also known for being inconsistent, and for his lack of tactical discipline on the pitch.BOOK, Holt, Nick, Mammoth Book Of The World Cup, 2014, Little, Brown Book Group, 978-1-4721-1051-0,books.google.com/books?id=E7DABAAAQBAJ&q=jay+jay+okocha+inconsistent&pg=PT431, 3 July 2020, en, Post-playing career In late 2014 Okocha was added to the FIFA football game series as a “Legend” which honours his years as a great footballer.WEB, Arts, Electronic, 2014-08-12, New Legends Coming to FIFA 15 Ultimate Team,www.ea.com/games/fifa/news/fifa-15-fifa-ultimate-team-legends, 2022-09-05, Electronic Arts Inc., en, Okocha was elected as the Chair of the Delta State Football Association on 21 February 2015.NEWS,allafrica.com/stories/201502231280.html, Nigeria: Okocha Succeeds Pinnick As Delta FA Chairman, Egbokhan, John, 23 February 2015, Vanguard (Lagos), 14 May 2018, In April 2015, he expressed his interest in becoming the president of the Nigeria Football Federation.NEWS,www.vanguardngr.com/2015/okocha-wants-to-be-president-of-nff, Okocha wants to be President of NFF - Vanguard News, 28 April 2015, Vanguard News, 14 May 2018, en-US, On 15 May 2016, Okocha played in a charity match as part of “Team John McGinlay” against “Team Tony Kelly” at the Macron Stadium and scored a hat-trick in his team’s 6–2 winwww.bwfc.co.uk/news/2016/may/report-team-mcginlay-6-2-team-kelly/ BWFC: “Report: Team McGinlay 6-2 Team Kelly”]In June 2019, it was reported that Okocha had been charged with alleged money laundering in Scotland.NEWS, Omilana, Timileyin, Okocha arraigned for alleged money laundering in Scotland,guardian.ng/sport/okocha-arraigned-for-alleged-money-laundering-in-scotland/, 28 January 2020, The Guardian Nigeria, 1 June 2019, NEWS, Eludini, Tunde, Jay Jay Okocha charged for alleged money laundering,www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/333170-jay-jay-okocha-charged-for-alleged-money-laundering.html, 28 January 2020, Premium Times Nigeria, 3 June 2019, Okocha has served as a football pundit for African sports broadcaster, Supersports since 2019, providing analysis for major tournaments, including the African Cup of Nations and the European championships.NEWS, AFCON 2019- SuperSport names Okocha, Yobo pundits,www.sunnewsonline.com/afcon-2019-supersport-names-okocha-yobo-pundits/, 28 January 2021, Daily News, 22 June 2019, NEWS, Nlebum, Anthony, Okocha, Yobo, Praiz represent Nigeria in SuperSport’s UEFA Euro 2020 coverage,businessday.ng/sports/article/okocha-yobo-praiz-represent-nigeria-in-supersports-uefa-euro-2020-coverage/, 28 January 2021, Businessday, 27 June 2021, On 14 November 2021, Okocha played in a charity match as part of a team of Bolton Wanderers Legends against the current Bolton first team, with the match helping to raise money for the mother of Bolton player Gethin Jones, after she was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. The Bolton first team won 7–4, with Okocha scoring a penalty for the Legends team.BWFC: “Wanderers 7 All Stars 4”In an interview he told why he never played for big clubs like Real Madrid CF was because of wage issues and racism. He also told them that the money they offer him was like he was doing them a favor.WEB, Akhilomen, Austin, 2023-05-14, Okocha: I Turned Down Offers From Some Big Clubs Because Of Wage Issues,www.completesports.com/okocha-i-turned-down-offers-from-some-big-clubs-because-of-wage-issues/, 2023-10-20, Complete Sports, en-us, Personal life Okocha is a member of the Anioma community, a sub-group of the Igbo people.NEWS,news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/africa/cup_of_nations/cup_news/639394.stm, Semi-final success unites Nigeria, BBC News, 11 February 2000, Two of the Super Eagles’ top international stars, Arsenal F.C., Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu and Paris St Germain’s Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha are Ibo., 25 January 2009, His older brother Emmanuel is also a former footballer who played for the Nigerian national team. He has a nephew, Alex Iwobi, who plays for Fulham and Nigeria.NEWS, Boyland, Patrick, Alex Iwobi’s key role in Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton,theathletic.com/2320287/2021/01/14/everton-iwobi-football-soccer/, 2 August 2021, The Athletic, 14 January 2021, Career statistics Club{| class“wikitable” style@text-align:center“|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Eintracht Frankfurt

1992–93 Eintracht Frankfurt season>1992–93|Bundesliga

–

3{{efn

|3

1993–94 Eintracht Frankfurt season>1993–94|Bundesliga

–

4{{efn

|4

1994–95 Eintracht Frankfurt season>1994–95|Bundesliga

–

7{{efn

|7

1995–96 Eintracht Frankfurt season>1995–96|Bundesliga

–

4{{efn

UEFA Intertoto Cup}}>

|11

Fenerbahçe

1996–97 1.Lig>1996–97

Süper Lig>1.Lig

Appearance in Turkish Super Cup}}

0

8{{efn

|18

1997–98 1.Lig>1997–98|1.Lig

–

2{{efn

|14

Paris Saint-Germain

1998–99 French Division 1>1998–99

Ligue 1>French Division 1

Appearances in UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup}}

1

29

5

1999–2000 French Division 1>1999–2000|French Division 1

–

26

2

2000–01 French Division 1>2000–01|French Division 1

name=UCL

UEFA Champions League}}>

|3

2001–02 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season>2001–02|French Division 1

Six appearances and five goals in UEFA Intertoto Cup, three appearances in UEFA Cup}}

5

33

10

Bolton Wanderers

2002–03 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season>2002–03HTTPS://WWW.PREMIERLEAGUE.COM/PLAYERS/2209/JAY-JAY-OKOCHA/OVERVIEW>TITLE=JAY JAY OKOCHA

ACCESSDATE=10 NOVEMBER 2021, |Premier League

–

31

7

2003–04 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season>2003–04|Premier League

–

41

3

2004–05 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season>2004–05|Premier League

–

33

7

2005–06 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season>2005–06|Premier League

name=UC

UEFA Europa League>UEFA Cup}}

0

37

1

Hull City A.F.C.>Hull City

2007–08 Hull City A.F.C. season>2007–08HTTPS://FBREF.COM/EN/PLAYERS/66CEB871/JAY-JAY-OKOCHA>TITLE=JAY-JAY OKOCHA STATS

ACCESSDATE=9 NOVEMBER 2021,

EFL Championship>Championship

–

19

0

{{notelist}}“>

International{| class“wikitable” style@text-align:center“|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year

!National team!!Year!!Apps!!GoalsNigeria national football teamHTTPS://WWW.RSSSF.ORG/MISCELLANEOUS/OKOCHA-INTL.HTML FIRST = LUIS FERNANDO DATE = 13 JANUARY 2022 PUBLISHER = REC.SPORT.SOCCER STATISTICS FOUNDATION, RSSSF.com, |1|0|1|0|0|0|0|4|1|1|1|4|1|0!colspan=“2“|Total||73||14 {| class=“wikitable sortable“|+ List of international goals scored by Jay-Jay Okocha!scope=“col“|No.!scope=“col“|Date!scope=“col“|Venue!scope=“col“|Opponent!scope=“col“|Score!scope=“col“|Result!scope=“col“|Competition1 3 July 1993 Lagos, Nigeria {{fb1–1 align=“center”1994 FIFA World Cup qualification>1994 World Cup qualifier2 11 June 1995 Boston, United States {{fb1–0 align=“center”1995 U.S. Cup>1995 US Cup3 rowspan=“2”Lagos, Nigeria rowspan=“2”TUN}} align=“center”4–2 rowspan=“2“|2000 African Cup of Nations4 align=“center“|2–15 13 February 2000 Lagos, Nigeria {{fb2–2 align=“center”| 2000 African Cup of Nations6 17 June 2000 Lagos, Nigeria {{fb1–0 align=“center”2002 FIFA World Cup qualification>2002 World Cup qualifier7 1 July 2001 Omdurman, Sudan {{fb3–0 align=“center”| 2002 World Cup qualifier8 26 March 2002 London, England {{fb1–1 align=“center”| Friendly9 26 July 2003 Watford, England {{fb1–0 align=“center”| Friendly10 31 January 2004 Monastir, Tunisia, Tunisia >RSA}} align=“center”4–0 2004 African Cup of Nations11 8 February 2004 Monastir, Tunisia {{fb1–1 align=“center”| 2004 African Cup of Nations12 11 February 2004 Tunis, Tunisia {{fb1–0 align=“center”| 2004 African Cup of Nations13 13 February 2004 Monastir, Tunisia {{fb1–0 align=“center”| 2004 African Cup of Nations14 18 June 2005 Kano (city), Nigeria >ANG}} align=“center”1–1 2006 World Cup qualifier

Honours

Bolton Wanderers

• Football League Cup runner-up: 2003–04NEWS,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/3507795.stm, Boro lift Carling Cup, BBC Sport, 29 February 2004, 26 March 2024,

Individual

• Goal of the Year (Germany): 1993WEB,www.sportschau.de/sendung/tdm/archiv/chronik90er/august1993tdm100.html, August 1993 - Okocha, de, Sportschau, 11 December 2018, 12 July 2013,
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (Reserve): 1998WEB,www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=71747/index.html,www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=71747/index.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20141129073958www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=71747/index.html,">web.archive.org/web/20141129073958www.fifa.com/newscentre/news/newsid=71747/index.html, dead, 29 November 2014, FIFA Technical Study Group designates MasterCard All-Star Team, 10 July 1998, 17 January 2015, FIFA.com,
• Premier League Player of the Month: November 2003WEB,www.premierleague.com/players/2209/Jay-Jay-Okocha/overview, Jay Jay Okocha: Overview, Premier League, 28 September 2018,
• Africa Cup of Nations Best Player: 2004WEB,www.iol.co.za/capeargus/sport/okocha-named-best-player-of-tournament-532603, Okocha named best player of tournament, IOL, 14 February 2004, 13 February 2020,
• Bolton Wanderers Player of the Year: 2004–05
• IFFHS All-time Africa Men’s Dream Team: 2021WEB,www.iffhs.com/posts/1121, IFFHS, 29 May 2021, 31 May 2021, IFFHS,

See also

• Jay Jay Okocha Stadium

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

• {{Soccerbase}}
• {{Official websitewww.jayjay-okocha.com/|Jay-Jay Okocha non official website}}
• {{Fussballdaten|okochaaugustine|Jay-Jay Okocha}}

{{Navboxes colour|title=Nigeria squads| bg = #008751| fg = white|bordercolor= silver|list1={{Nigeria squad 1994 African Cup of Nations}}{{Nigeria squad 1994 FIFA World Cup}}{{Nigeria squad 1995 King Fahd Cup}}{{Nigeria men’s football squad 1996 Summer Olympics}}{{Nigeria squad 1998 FIFA World Cup}}{{Nigeria squad 2000 African Cup of Nations}}{{Nigeria squad 2002 African Cup of Nations}}{{Nigeria squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}{{Nigeria squad 2004 African Cup of Nations}}{{Nigeria squad 2006 Africa Cup of Nations}}}}{{Navboxes colour|bg=gold|fg=navy|title= Awards|list1={{1994 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament}}{{2000 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament}}{{2004 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament}}{{Africa Cup of Nations top scorers}}{{Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament}}{{BBC African Footballer of the Year}}{{Bolton Wanderers F.C. Player of the Year}}{{FIFA 100}}}}{{Authority control}}