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Tag: Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha

  • Okocha to resolve tax evasion case today

    Ex-Super Eagles’ captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has resolved his tax evasion case  with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Boarding with indications rife that the suit may be struck out today when it comes up for hearing.

    Reports have it that the former footballer has reached an amicable settlement of the case with the state authorities, which could possibly lead to the withdrawal of the case from a Lagos High Court.

    The case, which is before Justice Adedayo Akintoye, will be heard today but a government source familiar with the suit revealed that the cause may be struck out since Okocha has reached an agreement with the prosecutor.

    On January 29, 2019, a Lagos High Court had issued a bench warrant for Okocha’s arrest for failing to appear in court severally to defend himself on the allegation of tax evasion brought against him.

    The prosecutor, Dr Jide Martins had on June 6, 2017, filed the charge and when the case came up for hearing on October 5, 2017, the defendant did not appear in court.

    The prosecution had told the court that the defendant had failed to furnish the Lagos State Internal Revenue Board with a return of Income for tax purposes.

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 56 (a) and (b) of the Lagos State Revenue Administration Law No.8, 2006 and Section 94 (I) of the Personal Income Tax Act Cap P8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

    Okocha is the first high profile Nigerian footballer to be dragged to court for tax evasion.

    Top stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo hauled before courts for similar cases in Spain.

    Ronaldo was handed a suspended jail term recently in addition to paying millions of dollars to the Spanish tax authorities.

    The ex-Real Madrid superstar signed an agreement to pay $21.6 million in fines after he pleaded guilty to tax fraud in a Madrid Court.

    The Portuguese striker, now playing for Juventus, faced tax avoidance charges from his time as a player in Spain at Real Madrid.

  • Okocha praises Rohr for accepting Criticism

    Former Super Eagles international, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has heaped praises on Coach Gernot Rohr for accepting criticisms and changing his tactics, leading to Nigeria’s victory over Iceland in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    Okocha, speaking on Supersports after the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Iceland, noted that it is difficult for coaches these days to accept criticisms, but with Rohr doing that, he should be commended.

    Recall that Okocha had blamed the 2-0 loss to Croatia in the first match to lack of having a creative midfielder, urging Rohr to play Iwobi in the midfield.

    In his word “I think I am a little better now. I was a bit nervous going into this match, but I must commend Coach Gernot Rohr for accepting criticisms and changing tactics for this game.  It is difficult for coaches these days to accept criticisms, as they always prefer to stick to their plans, but his change of tactics has granted Nigeria victory.”

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria started the campaign against Iceland slowly, becoming the first team in the 2018 World Cup not to have a shot in the first 45 minutes of action.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Okocha blames loss to Croatia on lack of creativity

    But they came out a different side in the second half, recording four shots on target, converting two in the process. Victor Moses lofted a pass towards Ahmed Musa in the 49th minute, and he controlled the ball and smashed in the half volley.

    The Nigerian striker would go on to get his brace in the 75th minute when he found space on the left, beat Iceland defender Kari Arnason and rounded goalkeeper Hannes Por Halldorsson before slamming the ball into the net.

    Musa is now the first Nigerian player to score a brace in two FIFA World Cup matches.

    Nigeria will face Argentina in the last group match in St Petersburg on Tuesday, 26th June, in a match where the winner will qualify for the round of sixteen,  while Iceland face group leaders Croatia in Rostov-on-Don.

    Iceland had a chance to reduce the scoreline in the 89th minute, when they got a penalty, awarded by the VAR but Gylfi Sigurdsson went on to miss it.

  • GARETH SOUTHGATE: Why we’re playing Nigeria at Wembley

    England manager, Gareth Southgate, speaks on the forthcoming duel between the Three Lions and Super Eagles at Wembley and his fond love for Nigerian legends, Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Jay Jay Okocha in an interview with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.

    England manager, Gareth Southgate, has spoken exclusively to The Nation about the choice of the Super Eagles for the prestige pre-FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 friendly against the Three Lions, to be played at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, 2nd June 2018.

    The match will be only the third international match between both countries at senior level since Nigeria and England first clashed in a post -USA’94 World Cup game at the old Wembley Stadium on 16th November 1994. Former England captain David Platt scored the only goal of the game off a late first half header.

    Both teams met again at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan on 12th June 2002 in a keenly-contested goalless encounter that saw the Super Eagles being eliminated at the group stage of the Korea/ Japan 2002 World Cup.

    “We didn’t choose Nigeria (for the June 2 friendly match)  just because we had an African team in our group at the World Cup finals (England are drawn against Tunisia, Panama and Belgium in Group G at Russia 2018),” the 47-year old Southgate told The Nation. “But the truth is that we don’t often have the opportunity of playing teams outside Europe and we thought it was a great opportunity playing against Nigeria.”

    Such has been Southgate’s familiarity with Nigerian football and her footballers after watching some of the country’s best exports to the English Premier League (EPL) over the years.

    He offered: “I was in the squad when we played them (Nigeria) in 2002 and there have been a lot of Nigerian players that have been successful in the Premier League. Like (Nwankwo) Kanu and (Austin) Jay Jay Okocha; both of them really made a great impact in our league and they are my favourite Nigerian players.”

    Southgate is one of the few relatively young managers heading  to Russia 2018 World Cup  but he  reckons the wisdom of coaching  at the international level has nothing to do with ‘the age of Methuselah,’ insisting all that is required  for such a high profile job as England manager is resilience.

    “I’ve gone through the baptism that I could go through and you must be resilient to be involved in the game for 37 years as a player and manager,” said the England manager who starred for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough in a career spanning almost two decades.

    A holder of the UEFA Pro Licence, Southgate has been in coaching since 2006 from Middlesbrough to the England U-21, to the Three Lions. He had a rough and tumble period at Middlesbrough where he was eased out in 2009. He was in-charge of the England Under-21 team and qualified the lads for the European Under-21 Championship in 2015 – where they were knocked out in the group stages after finishing last in their group. Southgate was put in temporary charge of the senior England team in 2016 when Sam Allardyce resigned after one game due to a ‘transfer bung’ scandal.

    After some impressive results including a 2–0 win against Malta, goalless draw with Slovenia; 3-0 thrashing of  Scotland 3–0 and a  2-2 draw against Spain; he was appointed substantive England manager on a four-year contract on 30 November 2016.

    “I have devoted over 30 years to the game; though I’m one of the young managers on the international scene, but all the same I don’t think being 47 years of age is a big thing. It’s not about your age but your experience and resilience,” he noted in the interview with The Nation.

    Meanwhile, Southgate has defended his 23-man England squad for the Russia 2018 World Cup following its announcement during the week.

    On the list were EPL players popular with Nigerian football fans like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, amongst others.

    “I believe this is a squad which we can be excited about,” Southgate said. “We have a lot of energy and athleticism in the team, but players that are equally comfortable in possession of the ball and I think people can see the style of play we’ve been looking to develop.

    “It is a young group, but with some really important senior players so I feel the balance of the squad is good, both in terms of its experience, its character and also the positional balance.”

    He added: “The selection process has been over months really, it’s not just been the last few weeks. We feel the team are improving and we want to continue that momentum.

    “The first call up for Trent Alexander-Arnold is well deserved. When we pick young players, it’s not just because they are young, it’s because their performances deserve it.”

    The quality of some of these players Southgate says would be well tested come June 2 at Wembley.

    “We know that they (Nigeria) have great fantastic support in England and that would be a  fantastic atmosphere; and a good test for us  ahead of the World Cup finals.”

     

    Your transition from being a footballer to a manager has been so smooth. What premonition did you have about your current job as England manager?

    I don’t think it has been very smooth (general laughter); it has been a very complicated change because you are learning a whole new set of different skills. In terms of being a manager, it has  been interesting by first taking on the  England U-21 team and it’s a great grounding before becoming the manager; because most of the problem you  face (as England manager) are similar to that of the U-21 team. Of course, the profile (of the England national team) is higher; taking up the junior team was a good preparation to be England manager.

    Exactly, 20 years ago you featured for England at France’98. What are your memories of the tournament?

    In general terms it was brilliant. It was a great experience to be involved as a kid because you want to play for your country in the World Cup and I still have the memory of running out for warm up for the first game. But then I got a bit of personal disappointment because I got injured after the first match; having started the first match. After that I didn’t get to start in the team and only came on a substitute against Argentina; but looking back that was an incredible game to be involved in as well. In the end, it was a bit disappointing that we couldn’t go as far as we probably thought we could. We lost to Romania in the group game and that meant it was going to be a difficult route to the final because we had to meet Argentina in the second round stage, which we could have avoided if we hadn’t lost in the group.

    You will be one of the young managers at Russia 2018. How psychologically prepared are you for your World Cup baptism?

    I’ve gone through a lot of baptism that I could go through and to be in the game for37 years as a player and manager, you must be resilient. I have devoted over 30 years to the game; though I’m one of the young managers on the international scene, but all the same I don’t think being 47 years of age is a big thing. It’s not about your age but your experience and resilience.

    Neutrals believe England is in a fairly decent group along with Belgium, Panama and Tunisia, and should easily progress to the second round. What are your thoughts about your Group G rivals?

    Well, in terms of FIFA World Ranking, we have three teams that are ranked third (Belgium); 13th (England) and 14th (Tunisia) and that means it’s actually one of the most difficult groups at this World Cup.  Our first opponent is Tunisia and we shouldn’t look further than that. I’ve been very impressed with their style based on the games I’ve watched them play, and that is a tough opening game for us. We know that Panama has achieved an incredible result by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time; and they have a lot of pride and passion. We also know the quality that Belgium possess after seeing some of their players in our league (English Premier League).  It is not a straight forward Group, but that is what it should be in a World Cup final tournament.

    England will host Nigeria at Wembley Stadium. Why the choice of Nigeria knowing you have a North African, and not a West African side, in your Russia 2018 World Cup Group?

    We didn’t choose Nigeria just because we had an African team in our Group at the World Cup finals. The truth is that we don’t often have the opportunity of playing teams outside Europe. So, we thought it was a great opportunity playing against Nigeria and we know that they (Nigeria) have great fantastic support in England and that would be a fantastic atmosphere. It is a good test for us ahead of the World Cup finals.

    Which Nigerian players have impressed you over the years? What is your impression of the current team going to Russia 2018?

    I was in the squad when we played them in 2002 and there have been a lot of Nigerian players that have been successful in the Premier League.  Like (Nwankwo) Kanu and (Austin) Jay Jay Okocha; both of them really made a great impact in our league and they are my favourite Nigerian players.

    What will be a good tournament for England in Russia against the background that England are world champions at the U20 and U17 levels?

    Obviously, it has been a great 18 months for our junior teams. But that is a long progress for our junior teams because these players are not ready for the World Cup yet. It would be difficult for them to compete for places now because we have an exciting squad of young players in this current England national team. The victories of the junior national teams have given us a lot of enthusiasm but we shall see how far the senior team can go at the World Cup.

    What makes you happy as a person and manager?

    As a manager, winning makes me happy; really seeing the way   and style I want the team plays; being disciplined and seeing that everybody is involved. I enjoy working with all the players. As a person, taking time away from football to be with my family is very important.

    What’s your definition of fashion and what would be your lucky attire in Russia?

    I have no issue about what to put on in Russia. We have a team suit and track suits and I’m pretty comfortable with that, but by and large, everybody has their own style.

    Which player would be the star of Russia 2018? Which country would win the trophy?

    It is always difficult to say which player would be the star of the tournament because we have a lot of stars coming. Certainly, it’s a tournament that is difficult to predict the winner though we know that Brazil and Germany are the huge favourites because of their past record, coupled with the form of their current teams.  There are teams that could cause a lot of problems for everybody and we hope (England) would be one of them.

    What would be your parting message to your family before travelling to Russia 2918 World Cup?

    I want my family to enjoy the World Cup as well; we are going to do the work as best as we can. Everybody has to embrace the World Cup and the spectacle that it is; and I hope my family can embrace that as well.

  • Okocha, Oyedeji participate in Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

    Okocha, Oyedeji participate in Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

    The 3rd Access Bank Lagos City Marathon started on Saturday at 6.30 am with ex-sportsmen, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, a former Super Eagles Captain and Olumide Oyedeji, former national basketball team Captain, D’Tigers, commending the organisers for the initiative.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 42km race started at exactly 6.30 a.m. at the National Stadium in spite of an early morning rain in Surulere, the take-off point and some parts of the city.

    Okocha said that the event in which more than 100,000 participants are featuring, was a plus to the development of sports in the country.

    He noted that an event of its magnitude would always attract the world to the country.

    “This is big and massive as far as sports development is concern and I must commend the sponsors for their consistency.

    “I am here to support the event as well enjoy myself,’’ he said.

    Oyedeji said that such an event was vital to sports growth and the physical wellbeing of the participants.

    He added that the marathon at which over 208 dollars were on offer should be replicated in other parts of the country to engage youths.

    “The event is getting bigger every year and it is a good thing that we are witnessing it.

    “Apart from competing in the race, it has huge health benefits to the physical and wellbeing of those participating for fun.

    “Many youths are involved and it’s a way of engaging them,’’ he said.

  • PLANE CRASH: Okocha, Enyeama, Mikel others condole with Chapecoense

    PLANE CRASH: Okocha, Enyeama, Mikel others condole with Chapecoense

    Ex-internationals, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Vincent Enyeama, Super Eagles players including Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye, Odion Ighalo, Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Ogenyi Onazi, Kelechi Iheanacho and the Nigeria Football Federation joined the rest of the world to express their condolences to the families of players and officials of Brazilian club Chapecoense, who were killed in the tragic Colombian plane crash on Monday night.

    At least 75 people died after a plane carrying members of the first team and coaching staff, as well as a number of journalists, came down in Cerro Gordo in Colombia.

    The plane – a British Aerospace 146 short-haul aircraft – was carrying a total of 72 passengers and nine crew members, including a total of 22 Chapecoense players, according to reports in Colombia.

    the-wreckage-of-the-plane-carrying-the-brazilian-first-division-team
    Pictures from the scene show the crumpled remains of the aircraft after it crashed down in Colombia.

    While leading other national team mates in delivering a heartfelt tribute to the players, Captain of the Super Eagles, Mikel Obi said, “Thoughts are with @ChapecoenseReal right now … Stay strong, the football family is with you ??.”

    Leicester City forward, Ahmed Musa said via @ahmedmusa718, “My thoughts and prayers go out to all the players’ families and everyone associated with @chapecoenseReal football club???????.”

    Ogu who plies his trade in Israel with Hapoel Be’er Sheva, posted a logo of the club on his Twitter account with a message, “A very sad day for me ??. RIP to everyone involved.

    Watford striker, Ighalo said via @Ighalojude, “Sad News. Thoughts are with @chapecoensereal and their family?.”

    “My thoughts and prayers go out to all the players families and everyone associated with @ChapecoenseReal football club??,” Olympiacos forward, Ideye posted via @Ideyebrown.

    Alanyaspor defender, Kenneth Omeruo posted on Instagram, “This is a sad day for football.. ???. Let’s all please pray for the families of the deceased.”

    Standard Liege left-back, Echiejile said via his Twitter account @EldersonEch, “I mourn with the #Chapecoense football team, families and friends of those involved in the crash #Sad #EUE3.”

    Trabzonspor midfield marshal, Onazi simply posted on his Instagram page @onaziogenyi, “Lord have mercy. RIP.”

    Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho also posted on his Instagram page @kelechi72, “This is a sad news for football nations and the families involved, pray that they all RIP.”

    Okocha, a former national team captain posted on his Instagram page, official_jj10, “#Horrible news# my condolences to the families, fans and club members, sad day.” While Vincent Enyeama said via @vinpee, “RIP to the dead. Healing to the wounded and broken. Fortitude to bear the lost to the families, fans friends and loved ones.”

    The Nigeria Football Federation commented on social media: “Our thoughts are with @CBF_Futebol and Mgt. of Brazilian club @ChapecoenseReal following their loss in a plane crash #ForcaChape.”

     

  • I had 27 girlfriends in school

    I had 27 girlfriends in school

    Shortly after Nigeria defeated Mozambique 4-2 at the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa, head coach, Stephen Keshi cut the figure of a very happy and relieved man.

    He had come under intense criticism after his team underperformed horribly against Mali in the opening game. Defeat against Mozambique would have spelt the end for the Super Eagles at the CHAN and the critics would have predictably been out in full force.

    Nigeria won and Keshi smiled. He told the assembled media afterwards that: “I prime my work on the mental (aspect), which I do all the time…”.

    Dr. Robinson Okosun is the hardworking psychologist of the Super Eagles whose invaluable work behind the scenes helps Keshi get the players in the right shape, mentally for the big games.

    Okosun has worked with stellar names like Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Peter Odemwingie and was also part of the Super Eagles backroom staff as Nigeria won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    Okosun is currently with the Nigeria squad as they try to reach the quarterfinals of the 2014 CHAN in South Africa.

    He sat down with supersport.com and made startling revelations about Okocha, Kanu, Keshi, his love for piety and some of the best football moments in Nigeria’s football history.

    Who inspired you the most?

    My parents. I came from a very poor background and my parents were not very educated.

    My father, who dropped out of school, told me that I must work hard if I did not want to suffer in future. He did everything to see that I had the best education.

     

     

    The best advice you have ever received?

    Professor Femi Owolabi, who is now a lecturer in Botswana advised me to take education seriously.

    I listened to him and I have not regretted it. He’s very proud of me today.

     

    Are you a good cook?

    No, I am not and my wife cheats me a lot because of this.

    My father once saw me in the kitchen with my elder sister when I was much younger. He screamed and asked me never to go there (kitchen) again as cooking was for women.

    That aside, the nature of my job makes it impossible to do any kind of cooking because I am always travelling from one country to another.

     

    If you were not involved in football….

    I would have been a pastor. I love counselling people.

    When I gained admission to the University of Ibadan to study Chemistry, my love for sports and charisma shone through.

    I was always advising my fellow students, even my seniors.

    I must also give credit to one of my former tutors, Professor Faboya who advised me to study Psychology.

     

    What three songs do you listen to the most in your i-pod?

    I love gospel music. When I was a young man, I listened to the great Sunny Okosun a lot.

    Maybe the fact that we share the same name helps (laughs).

    I also respect Fela Anikulapo Kuti. He was a great philosopher and saw what a lot of people did not see.

    I love songs that help me meditate and stay calm.

     

    If you were to choose one lady to go out on the date with, who would it be?

    You may find this difficult to believe but that lady will be my wife.

    Back then in school, I had about 27 girlfriends and was largely perceived to be a ladies’ man.

    I was very popular because I was into television presentation with former Nigerian international, Segun Odegbami and FIFA instructor, Paul Bassey.

    My wife was initially scared to date me because of that but I never let go because she’s so quiet, humble and responsible – the traits I was looking out for in my future wife.

    It took three years of “serious toasting” (wooing) to get her to say yes and the attraction is still strong.

     

    Best holiday destination

    I will always go for Miami in the United States. I read a lot of James Hardly Chase novels when I was younger and there were so many stories about Miami and its beautiful beaches.

    I always wanted to visit the city and I am pleased I eventually did, last year.

     

    Your happiest memory?

    That was when Nigeria qualified for the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.

    I was also team psychologist then and Amodu Shuaibu was the coach while Keshi was the assistant.

     

    Tell me about your friendship with Okocha.

    When I was named the team psychologist, I knew I needed the support of the senior players to succeed so during a national assignment, I went to the room of Jay Jay and asked to speak with him.

    I told him I would need his support as he was the captain of the national team. He took me round the camp and introduced me to all the players.

    Meeting individuals like Taribo West, Julius Aghahowa, Kanu Nwankwo, Sunday Oliseh and the others was really important at that stage of my professional life.

    Mutiu Adepoju also assisted me a lot because I played football with him in Ibadan when I was younger.

    I got along with all of them and I must thank them for helping me settle.

     

    ….and your worst memory?

    That was when we failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

    I felt we let the people down.

     

    If your house was on fire, what one possession would you rescue?

    After my family, it would be my Holy Bible.

    My certificates and credentials are also important to me.

     

    What makes you smile?

    (smiles) I just recalled an incident happened in 2000. I was part of the Nigerian football team as an administrator at the Olympic Games in Sydney.

    We were scheduled to visit the Mayor of Sydney. I went with the coach, Bonfrere Johannes and former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Tijani Yusuf.

    I was chauffeur-driven by a white man – the same people my father worshipped – and that was one of the most fulfilling moments of my life. I was shedding tears all through the journey. It was a moving moment.

     

    And what makes you frown?

    Whenever I fail myself, I get disappointed. I also like helping the less privileged and it breaks my heart when I fail to do that.