Eintracht Legends Part 1: Jay-Jay Okocha
The Nigerian Prince who danced with Oliver Kahn
Jay-Jay Okocha’s Journey to the Top
In 1990, a 17-year-old boy named Augustine Azuka '“Jay-Jay” Okocha, from Enugu, Nigeria, went on holiday to West Germany. During his time in the country, a friend invited him to join a training session at third-tier team Borussia Neunkirchen. The coaches were so impressed by his dribbling ability and skill that they offered him a contract the next day. After two years at the club, Okocha decided to leave Neunkirchen. He joined 1.FC Saarbrücken, but moved on to Eintracht Frankfurt just few months later. Alongside the likes of Tony Yeboah and Maurizio Gaudino, Okocha became part of one of the greatest Eintracht teams of all time, nearly winning the Bundesliga title in 1992. In 1993, the Nigerian scored his iconic solo goal against Oliver Kahn, which is seen as one of the most iconic goals in Bundesliga history.
Despite a feud involving manager Jupp Heynckes in 1995, Jay-Jay Okocha stayed at the club for another year, but left the club in the summer of 1996 after suffering relegation. He joined Fenerbahce, where he had great two years in the Super Lig. Whlie playing for the Turkish giants, Okocha briefly accepted the Turkish citizenship and changed his name to Muhammed Yavuz. His impressive performances in Turkey earned him a £14m move to PSG, where he served as a mentor for the emerging superstar Ronaldinho. In the summer of 2002 Okocha joined Bolton. After another few strong seasons in the Premier League, his career started coming to an end. Spells at Qatar SC and Hull City followed, before the then 34-year-old retired from football in 2008.
Okocha in the Nigerian National Team
After making his national team debut in 1993, Okocha quickly became a fan favorite. In his second game for the ‘Super Eagles’, he scored a direct free-kick goal, which sent them to their first ever World Cup in 1994. In '94 he won the Africa Cup with Nigeria. Okocha would go on to become their key player, running the show at three World Cups and the Olympics in 1996, where the Super Eagles beat Argentinia and Brazil to earn the gold medal. Okocha is widely recognised as one of Africa‘s best ever players, and perhaps the best to ever play for the Nigerian Super Eagles.
An Iconic Style of Play
Okocha is famous for his quick dribbling and skills. His dazzling footwork became world famous — many fans adore him as one of the best dribblers of all time. Okocha wouldn’t just beat defenders, he would toy with them. Adding to his amazing control of the ball, the attacking midfielder was also a very creative playmaker. Okocha was not the most effective player or clinical finisher, but he was always a joy to watch. Fans and journalists often compared him to Diego Maradona.
Big Clubs snubbed
In an interview with Arise TV, Okocha revealed that he snubbed some of Europe’s biggest teams due to racial discrimination and wage issues. "It was not easy for an African player to play for top clubs because they don’t pay high wages," Okocha explained.
Jay-Jay Today
Today, Jay-Jay Okocha has his own foundation, aiming at promoting education and peace in Nigeria. He also works as a TV pundit and often appears in charity matches. His nephew Alex Iwobi, is currently playing for Fulham in the Premier League.
