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Tag: Jay-Jay’ Okocha

Okocha named among ten best free transfers

Close to a decade after hanging his boots, former Super Eagles Captain Jay Jay Okocha is still a major reference point in terms of contribution to the game with his free transfer from PSG to Bolton dubbed the second best free transfer after that of Sol Campbell from Tottenham to Arsenal.

In top 10 best free transfers dished out by the Mail, Monday, the former Eintracht Frankfurt ace was engaged by Sam Allardyce for free at a time when he was Africa’s most expensive player

In 1998, French side Paris Saint-Germain spent around £14 million to sign Okocha, making him the most expensive African player at the time. During his four-year stint with PSG, he played 84 matches and scored 12 goals.

The report recalls that there was amazement in the soccer world when the midfield maestro joined Bolton for free and became a legend at Bolton alongside fellow free transfers Ivan Campo, Fernando Hierro and Youri Djokaeff, and helped the club to three top-half finishes in a row. He is best remembered for a handful of stunning strikes and sensational tricks, which made him a favourite among all fans.

Other players who made the lists include current Manchester United Sensation, Zlatan Ibrahimovic who moved on free transfer interestingly from PSG.

A giant of European football, with titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France, Ibrahimovic arrived with all his showmanship, but with plenty of doubters. Now 35 years old, he had been impressive in Ligue 1, but there were questions over whether that would prepare him for Premier League football.

Four goals in his first three games was enough response and and 24 in 36 so far became a mission statement. On the players in the list include Ruud Gullit (Sampdoria to Chelsea), Gary McAllister (Coventry to Liverpool),Gianluca Vialli (Juventus to Chelsea), Michael Ballack (Bayern to Chelsea), Demba Ba (West Ham to Newcastle),Kevin Davies (Southampton to Bolton) and Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough to Fulham.

February 20, 2017
Day Edo deputy governor dazzled like Jay Jay Okocha

AS the convoy arrived the arena – devoid of the usual fanfare and siren sounds heralding the presence of top government officials or VIPs, he alighted from his official car spoting a colourful football jersey. Within a twinkle of an eye, he made straight to the athletics tracks and sprinted round the stadium for over thirty minutes. For the spectators and other guests present for the much-publicised event of the day, it was an amazing scenario to behold the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, sweating it out like a professional sportsman preparing for a major championship.

Dateline: Friday, January 20, 2017 at the main-bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City – the Edo State capital – shortly before the commencement of a novelty football match between the ”Bench and Bar” in honour of the out-gone Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, as part of activities lined-up for his meritorious retirement from active service.

After the pre-match formalities between the two teams and match officials, the centre referee blasted his whistle to signal the formal commencement of the match with Comrade Shaibu featuring for the bench, comprising legal luminaries and judicial officers such as High/ Appeal Court judges, magistrates of Customary Courts and high ranking Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). While the Bar Team comprised majorly of practicing lawyers from across the state.

The match started on a fast tempo with both sides sizing up each other with their cautious approach, but all eyes were on Philip Shaibu who left no one in doubt that he was on the turf for serious business as he displayed flashes of a core professional player with his mesmerising moves that dazed the spectators who cheered him on for more scintillating and entertaining actions.

Indeed, the deputy governor held the fans spell-bound by making ceaseless goal-bound incursions into the vital area of the Bar Team. He was simply spectacular and outstanding each moment he held on to the ball so much so that the excited crowd kept on singing his praises.

The enterprising efforts exhibited by Philip Shaibu paid off in no time when his side was duly awarded a penalty by the match umpire, after he was hacked down by an overzealous defender of the Bench Team right inside the eighteen-yard box, in a futile attempt to stop his dangerous foray towards the goal-post. His team-mates unanimously picked him to take the penalty kick and he lived up to the trust reposed in him as he confidently placed the ball in the penalty spot, waited for the referee’s whistle, after which he perfectly tucked the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper far into the extreme corner of the net. Expectedly, the goal was greeted with wild celebrations by the jubilant crowd.

On resumption of the second half, the expectations of the fans became so high as they became very anxious for more thrills and frills as a result of the skills and artistry displayed by both sides, more so, when they were eager for more goals from the lethal boots of Philip Shaibu.

To be very frank, Shaibu, by reckoning of many fans, was the man-of-the match as he was everywhere on the pitch with his unique style of play and ball distribution to his team-mates.

His unquenchable hunger for more goals with his top of the form runs earned the Bench Team a well- deserved second penalty of the match when the desperate central defender of the bar tackled him from behind and brought him down inside the box during a goal-mouth scramble, with the centre referee promptly responding by pointing to the spot for a penalty kick.

For a while, there was palpable silence on the part of the Bench Team supporters as their players clustered round themselves to decide who takes the penalty.

Without much ado, the lot fell on the main striker who skillfully swerved the opponent’s goalkeeper to the wrong side and shook the net with a powerful shot, while their supporters – including the man being honoured (Justice Cromwell Idahosa) – erupted in ecstatic jubilation.

However, at the final blast of the referee’s whistle, the Bar Team had won the thrilling encounter with an emphatic five goals to two against their Bench opponent. Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the glittering golden trophy to the skipper of the winning Bar Team by no less a personality than the deputy governor of the Heartbeat State, Philip Shaibu, who doubled as the Executive Guest of Honour at the ceremony.

In a post-match interview with sport writers, the deputy governor expressed satisfaction with the high standard performance put up by both sides even as he reaffirmed the commitment of the current administration under the proactive leadership of Governor Godwin Negheghase Obaseki to reposition the sports sector and restore Edo State to her glorious era of sporting excellence in the comity of states in Nigeria and beyond. He commended Justice Cromwell Idahosa (Rtd.) for the giant strides he made during his tenure, adding that he would be greatly missed by the government and good people of Edo State.

Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, stated that he was highly elated for the honour done him and expressed his desire to continue to work for the upliftment of the Nigerian justice system in particular, and the country in general.

A football enthusiast who witnessed the exciting match had this to say: ” It was amazing watching Philip Shaibu playing the round leather game and he dazzled like Jay Jay Okocha; he really played like a true professional. For me, I am so delighted to say that he is such a multi-talented young man, who, no doubt, is a source of inspiration to our youths.”

Of a truth, Shaibu is akin to the proverbial golden fish that has no hiding place. He is one young man that has been wonderfully created and wondrously endowed with talents by the divine creator for the benefit of humanity.

February 5, 2017
‘Jay Jay’ Okocha videos fired me up — Adekoya

Seattle Sounders new signing Seyi Adekoya has revealed his father played him Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha videos to motivate when he was growing up.

“I started playing when I was around two or three, thanks to my dad who’s Nigerian,” said youngster Adekoya.

“He grew up in Nigeria playing soccer and cricket. His favorite player had always been ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha.

When I was a kid he would always show me videos of Okocha and say, ‘Watch this video, you need to do this move like him.”

“I remember back then Sounders Academy was the biggest deal, because everyone was so talented,” Seyi remarked about his time in the Rave Green youth system. “I was really excited and honoured to be on a team with such great players.”

Adekoya signed with UCLA in large part because of its strong medical program. His father always wanted him to become a doctor.

“When I first got to UCLA and went through the preseason practices I did terribly,” laughed Adekoya. “I would have guys like [Mac Hermann Trophy winner] Leo Stolz yelling at me, and I got so nervous I couldn’t even connect simple passes. But I kept working hard and believing in myself.”

Adekoya broke into the team as a freshman and recorded 20 goals, eight assists and 37 starts in three seasons with the Bruins.

He spent his first two seasons at UCLA as a central striker, often relying on his blistering pace to stretch the field and latch onto through-balls, but in the 2016 campaign he lined up as a wide attacker.

“Spending this last season on the wing I found that my game was based less on athleticism and more on combining with teammates,” said Adekoya.

“I think that helped my game because I learned how to play both ways. I can be a connecting player and set people up or I can be someone who runs in-behind and scores goals.”

He credits UCLA for helping him develop into a versatile attacking player.

As he reminisces on his college career, his favorite memory is scoring the game-winning goal against the University of Washington in Seattle during his freshman season. Sharing such a special moment with all of his friends, family, former teachers and coaches in the crowd reaffirmed his desire to return home after his college career.

“When I got to UCLA I realized that I really love Seattle and I missed it,” said Adekoya. “Every single second I was there I wanted to be here. I really love this city and I’m happy to be back now.”

January 26, 2017
Jay Jay Okocha: How my career started

• Says it was a coincidence • Replaced his elder brother who was invited for trials

Last week Friday inside the conference hall of Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Austin Okocha interacted with selected journalists at a forum organised by Startimes to celebrtae the German Bundesliga,
Ade Ojeikere captured all that transpired in this recorded question and answer session.

OKOCHA: “It was a coincidence because I wasn’t scouted by anyone, I was on a visit and I’m so glad that Jonathan is here because then I went to his house as well because it was about less than 10 kilometres away from Borussia Neunkirchen and he was then playing for FC Saarbrücken, I think after late Okwaraji, he was the first Nigerian to play professional in Germany and I must say that they started paving the way for us and of course we continued on that trend. Like I mentioned earlier, it was a coincidence because my senior brother was actually the one invited for trials and because he was then playing for the National team, the National team coach had promised to take him to holland and I took that opportunity you know, to go to Germany, not for trials but for holidays because Germany had just won the World Cup 1990 and since there was an invite, I said if they could just change the name and put my name, I might as well just take that opportunity and visit Germany. But it happened so that the address I had was that of his friend Binebi Numa, who was playing for Borussia Neunkirchen at that time and ofcourse he was going to training and I followed him. As a football freak, I had my football boots with me everywhere I go. So I went to ask the coach if I could train with them and he said Yes and for me, the rest is history because from holiday, I ended up starting my career with Borussia Neunkirchen.

ON HIS DRIBBLING SKILLS
J.J: I think the secret is basically the streets. I didn’t go to any academy , then we were on the streets playing football because of the love of the game and because there was nothing like playstation, all we had was football and the streets, no trainers, no managers, no boots, no jerseys, no nothing, basically we were just out there expressing ourselves and trying out new things because there is nobody to shout on you even if you make mistakes or whatever so we had the possibility of trying to improve ourselves and what we can do we do with football and for me I think that is where the dribbling skills came from.

ON HIS FIRST MATCH AND DEBUT GOAL IN THE BUNDESLIGA
It was a surprise for me because when I was signed by Frankfurt, I signed a three-year deal, one year Amateur contract and two years professional. The whole idea was for me to train 1 year with the B team and I will graduate from there. It happened that some of the first team players were injured and I was invited to make up the numbers for a game, I aslo started from the bench in that friendly and managed to get like half an hour in the second half and I impressed the manager and he had to arrange another friendly the next day and said that I should come be a part of it and he threw me in from the start. That happened on a Wednesday, after the friendly, the manager said that I shouldn’t go back to train with the second team and that I should come train with the first team on Thursday.
After the training on Thursday, the coach made his selection for the team that will be travelling to Bremen on Friday for a game that will hold on Saturday and my name was included.
I was given the first team kits and when I got home, I showed it to my brother who was staying with me then, he was surprised and asked if I had stolen the kits (laughs)… I responded by saying No, I did not steal it, it was given to me by the manager who said, I will be travelling with them and my brother said ‘Goodluck’.
I travelled with the team on Friday and on Saturday morning, the coach made his selection and I was in the starting XI.
So that was when it dawned on me that this is the opportunity that I have been waiting for, it’s either I take it or I head back home. I had a conviction in me that I was good enough and also mentally strong enough to accept the challenge. That was how my professional career started because after that game, I never went back to the second team.
BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE BUNDESLIGA AND EPL, HOW WOULD YOU RATE IT?
Well, I will put it this way, they are both very competitive but for me Bundesliga is more complete. I think it is quite unfortunate that the Nigerians didn’t get to see the Bundesliga early enough, especially a lot back then as opposed to the EPL and it now appears as if we are all addicted to the EPL. I can tell you that it is not a fluke that Germany are the current world champions and besides, 14 players from the World Cup winning team are still plying their trade now in the Bundesliga. It shows how strong the league and for me, their youth developmental programme is second to none. The amount of investment they have put into the programme is unbelievable and whether you like it or not, a lot of countries have adopted that kind of youth programme.
Yes I said, the German league is more competitive because it’s highly entertaining, you get more goals, hardly will you see a game finish goalless. And in terms of technique and tactics, they are well sound. The EPL on its own part has changed a bit recently and that can be attributed to the presence of foreign managers, the EPL has always been straightforward – Quickest way to the goal and I can testify to that fact because I played for Bolton and we had an english manager.
It is not that it is mind but it’s really about the knowledge of the game. So for me, starting my career in Germany and having played in the Bundesliga and also the opportunity to play in other leagues, I can conveniently say that it was what the Bundesliga gave me that made me to succeed in other leagues. So, it was a lot easier for me to play in France, Turkey, England later on because of that foundation I got in Germany.
As I said before, I didn’t go to any academy in Nigeria, my academy was in Germany. As I have always said, I went to Germany as a boy and left the place as a man because I never knew that training will always go on whether it is raining or snowing unlike what we do in Nigeria. (laughs).
That foundation I got in terms of discipline, dedication, even your lifestyle changes. Bundesliga made me realise that if you want to be a good footballer, you must dedicate your entire life to it because that’s your profession.

ON HIS GOAL AGAINST OLIVER KHAN
Well, thanks to you guys, he doesn’t like me. The media has made it so big that he takes it personal. It wasn’t personal for me though because I was just doing my job. I never meant to hold on to the ball that long, it just happened that he was at the receiving end but I am grateful for that goal because people can still identify me with something in Germany and that’s my greatest joy because I know that I haven’t been forgotten. Now, I can remember. His name is Horst Brand.

HORST BRAND?
He’s not that popular but the fact that he allowed me train with his team, that was a big step for me because if he hadn’t given me such an opportunity, that could have been the end of my football career in Germany or wherever.
His name is Horst Brand, I can never forget the name, he accepted me like his own son because it’s rare to find a good coach that will take a young player to his house for the weekend and he makes you to feel at home and that was what he gave me and made me realise that I am wanted again.

AFRICANS IN THE BUNDESLIGA
A lot of Africans have benefited from the league for well over 25 years at least to the extent that a Ghanaian even featured for the national team at some point. It shows that we are well accepted now in Germany even though at the beginning it was tough because the number of foreign players in a team used to be very limited. But now the new generation of African players have done really well after us.

ON LEGENDS TOUR
Well, I want to say a big thank you Startimes because you are the reason why our people can now access the Bundesliga. We wish you had come earlier, Jonathan and I are jealous of this new generation, things have changed since our time. Thank you for taking the steps of showing our people how good the Bundesliga is.
I can only say that I am honoured to be a part of this and a big thank you to Bundesliga and Startimes for having me on this.

December 21, 2016
Joseph Yobo’s testimonial:Eto’o tries to get Jay-Jay Okocha subbed for being too good

Remember Jay-Jay Okocha ? The Nigerian set the Premier League alight during his spell with Bolton between 2002 – 2006. A cheeky personality matched his cheeky style of play; week in week out he would dazzle fans.

Ridiculous control, incredible footwork, and a grace that we’ve only ever seen in the likes of Ronaldinho. A tricky customer indeed. But it appears at the royal old age of 42, Okocha hasn’t lost a single ounce of talent.

He showed as much in Joseph Yobo’s testimonial. In fact, the Team Nigeria player was SO good that opposing striker Samuel Eto’o attempted to get him substituted.

Eto’o, who was playing for Team World, clearly couldn’t face another second of Okocha’s class and escorted him to Team Nigeria’s manager demanding a sub. “Nope. Too good. Off you go…”

Luckily, both Okocha and the crowd found the funny side. Just shows, if you’ve got it, you never lose it.

June 1, 2016
Gulder Club Ultimate berths in Enugu

THE Nigeria’s mobile clubbing platform, Gulder Ultimate Club, will be making its third outing in Enugu on April 25 and 26, organizers have announced.

Introduced by Gulder, a brand of Nigerian Breweries plc., the show which made debut in Port Harcourt in July last year, paraded top entertainers such as Kunle Afolayan, Beverly Naya, Tee A and Yaw, among others. Although it enjoyed an edge as a unique show, music lovers enjoyed a rare moment of clubbing with the stars.

With more verve, the show moved to Lagos in December, recording a higher number of celebrities, including Genevieve Nnaji, D’banj, Frank Edoho, Dr SID, Jay Jay Okocha, Alex Okosi, Denrele, Tee-Y Mix, JJC and Weird MC who partied with other fun lovers in a ship-design ballroom by veteran movie set designer, Pat Nebo, at the Eko Hotel Convention Ground, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Many travelled from different parts of the country to be part of the two-day Lagos edition.

There are indications that the show may soar higher, with the announcement, Tuesday, of four of Africa’s hottest DJs and two dynamic hosts for the Enugu leg of the event.

Otherwise called “The Coal City” Enugu is the nightlife destination of southeastern Nigeria, where every day is a celebration for party lovers who hang out at stylish bars and nightclubs.

“Enugu is a special destination for us and we want the connection between Gulder and our friends in Enugu to be a fusion of a fully packed entertaining night with world-class performances,” said. Onyeka Okoli, Senior Brand Manager, Gulder. The idea, according to Okoli, is to take the club experience from city to city to engage and excite.

Organisers are yet to announce details of hosts and performers, but many are already speculating that bona fide ‘Igbo boys’, Phyno, Ill Bliss, Raw, and Tony One Week are contenders.

Club Ultimate is an innovative event, which transforms ordinary venues into a virtual club of urbane cabaret, DJs spin-off and unusual acrobatic performances invoking the fantasy wow effect. The fictional becomes reality, making it the most exciting clubbing event ever experienced in each region.

April 12, 2014
Okocha blasts: Eagles can’t win World Cup

Former Nigeria captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha talks to KickOffNigeria.com about World Cup qualification and what makes Stephen Keshi so successful.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION FOR NIGERIA?

I think it is very important. Especially for those in the football business. I think it is a must for us to be there especially when we have five spaces in Africa.

So I think it is very important for our people because there isn’t much to cheer about now so we have to give them something to cheer about through football.

YOU WERE CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM THAT FAILED TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2006 WORLD CUP. HOW BAD AN EXPERIENCE WAS THAT?

Very bad. It was like a bad dream. We all felt the impact because it was like everything came to a stalemate. Football is like a religion for us here and for all of us that was a very bad period. And it is not something I would like to wish on the country or the players ever again.

DID YOU THINK THIS GROUP OF PLAYERS WOULD MAKE IT SO EASILY?

Well, I don’t think it was easy because we had to fight our way through and whether we like it or not, the team has been growing, they have been improving.

We have to give them credit. They battled their way to this point. Nobody really thought they would be in this position at this time.

We were talking about rebuilding and we expected that it would take us many years to get here, but it is to the coaches credit and to the players’ credit that they have delivered beyond expectation.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE CONFEDERATIONS CUP PERFORMANCE, DO YOU AGREE WITH THOSE WHO SAY THE TEAM NEEDS MORE EXPERIENCE AS THEY RETURN TO BRAZIL?

I don’t think so.The team was exposed during the Confederations Cup but I think that gave them a lot of experience and something to build on.

They’ve grown since the Confed Cup because I think they learned a lot of lessons from that tournament and going back to Brazil, I think they will do a lot better. But at the end of the day, it’s up to the coach.

AS A FORMER MIDFIELDER, DO YOU THINK THIS CURRENT MIDFIELD CAN HOLD UP AGAINST THE BEST IN THE WORLD?

Yes, I think so. If I may be honest, the midfielders that we have now play a bit more collectively. We don’t really have that individual talent that can stand out as an individual player when the going gets tough. But I think they are doing well as a team which is the most important thing because football is a team game.

But in terms of individual brilliance I don’t think you can compare them to the ‘94 team but as a team I think they are doing very well.

YOU PLAYED WITH STEPHEN KESHI, WHAT IS IT ABOUT HIM THAT HAS MADE HIM SO SUCCESSFUL AS A COACH?

It’s the passion that he has for football. His attitude and his competitive mentality. He wants to win all the time, and he has impacted that on these players.

The way he approached games then, always wanting to win every game. I think that’s what he has kept and these players are beginning to understand that too.

YOU HAVE BEEN A FORMER CAPTAIN OF THIS TEAM, SHOULD JOSEPH YOBO RETURN TO THE SQUAD?

He deserves another chance. If he is still fit, if he is still playing European football with a top side in Turkey.

I think he deserves a chance, because what makes a team is to have 23 strong players and not 16.

And whatever issues they have, at this moment it might be the right time to resolve it.

AS A MEMBER OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE, HOW IMPORTANT IS YOUR JOB IN HELPING KESHI?

It’s all about setting up a good platform for the coach to work on. We had issues in the past, but it was a positive fallout because we were demanding for him to do well, which helped him and he delivered.

He took it in a bad way but for me it was positive pressure, because if he is successful, we are successful and of he’s not doing well, we are also in it. I think it was important for him to understand what the board wanted from him and once he understood that, it was all smiles and everyone is happy.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS TEAM AND THE ONE YOU PLAYED IN BETWEEN 1993 AND 1996?

I would say the only difference is maturity. We had a lot of mature players and a better squad. Because I can say that during that period, we had a team where every player could not go to sleep, you had to be on your toes all the time otherwise somebody would take your place. But now, you can almost predict who will be in the first eleven. I think we had a bit more competition in the team then.

AND HOW FAR DO YOU THINK THIS TEAM CAN GO AT THE WORLD CUP?

We don’t have to get carried away, we have to set a realistic target for our team.

We will all be happy to see them win the World Cup but we know that’s almost impossible at this moment.

We don’t have to set ourselves a target that is almost like mission impossible. So a realistic target should be to qualify from our group even though we don’t know who will be there, then from there anything can happen when we get to the knockout stage.

November 24, 2013