On Monday, August 14, a few supporters of Augustine Okocha, formerly the captain of the Super Eagles and known as Jay-Jay Okocha, clocked 50.
The dribbling magician was born in Enugu on August 14, 1973.
Okocha started playing football with Rangers International Club in Enugu and made his debut for his nation in January 1993 in the U-20 AFCON in the island nation of Mauritius.
A variety of Jay-Jay’s followers who met with journalists in Abakaliki on Monday agreed that he should be honored for living a life in the service of his country.
They claimed he made enthusiasts and admirers of the round-leather game happy all around the world.
Former governor David Umahi’s chief press secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, said Jay-Jay “easily Nigeria’s most celebrated player on national team honors.”
Jay-Jay received a gold medal at the 1994 AFCON and the 1996 Olympic Games, a silver medal at the AFCON 2000, and three bronze medals at the 2002, 2004, and 2006 AFCONS, according to Uzor.He was a key member of the squad that made the nation’s debut at the World Cup in 1994 and was a standout performer in France 1998.
Ikenna Odo, a member of the Ebonyi Football Association’s board, called Okocha “a skills workshop” who always had spectators on the edge of their seats.
Okocha was praised for “planning his life well, unlike many retired footballers who cannot make ends meet,” according to Chiaka Ejeh, another soccer enthusiast.
“Okocha has maintained his financial and social stability by wisely investing the fortunes from his active days.”
