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Tag: Okocha

  • Jay Jay Okocha, wife celebrate 25th wedding anniversary

    Jay Jay Okocha, wife celebrate 25th wedding anniversary

    Former Eagles skipper Jay Jay Okocha has marked 25th wedding anniversary with beloved wife.

    The anniversary coincided with the wife’s 50th birthday, which was marked on the shores of the Maldives.

    The couple took to social media as they set the internet agog in a romantic video they shared.

    In one particularly heartwarming moment, the couple, who originally tied the knot back in 1998, was seen renewing their vows in elegant white wedding attire.

    Read Also:Ozil: Jay Jay Okocha my idol

    In another enchanting video, Jay Jay Okocha’s wife donned a chic black gown, and the couple showcased their dance moves next to each other, radiating sheer joy.

    The celebration exuded an aura of elegance and joy, reflecting the enduring love between the pair.

    Their long term marriage has produced Ajay Okocha and Daniela Okocha, who were also present to celebrate the occasion.

  • Okocha advises Osimhen on Napoli’s Tik Tok saga

    Okocha advises Osimhen on Napoli’s Tik Tok saga

    Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the Super Eagles and Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen, over the TikTok saga in Italy.

    Okocha offered the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a forum of Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC) presentation in Lagos on Friday.

    NAN reports that two controversial TikTok videos were recently posted on social media platforms by Napoli FC purportedly mocking the Nigerian striker over his penalty miss against Bologna.

    Although it seems the clouds are settling over the matter with Napoli FC deleting the posts and offering some explanations on the controversial post, Okocha rose in defense of Osimhen advising him to weigh his options.

    He also commended Osimhen for the strength he had shown by not letting the controversy to affect him and continuing with his business and productivity.

    “The future is for Osimhen to decide, but I don’t think that his decision to leave Napoli FC should be based on the Tik Tok post alone; he should weigh his options.

    “Osimhen should know what is best for him, whether to continue in Napoli or elsewhere seek a new challenge. I don’t think he should narrow his decision to a Tik Tok post,” he said.

    Okocha further stated that as an accomplished footballer, nothing bothered him on what people thought he did not achieve during his active football career.

    “I don’t I have any regrets about my career. I have surpassed everyone’s target, I never knew that I would get to the height which I got to; but I don’t want to be carried away or sound greedy.

    “Yeah, I would have achieved some other things, but some things are not meant to be. If I look at my general contributions to football, I have no regret at all,” he said.

    Read Also: Napoli may sue toy company over Osimhen’s image

    On Nigeria’s participation at the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire, Okocha said Nigeria had what was required to be champions once again.

    “Nigeria is not short of talents and we can never be short of talents. We have what it takes to do well at the 2024 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire.

    “We also have what it takes to do well in any competition; so it is the same with the Nations Cup.

    “I will love to see the Super Eagles do well, I believe that we have the right players and tools,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Okocha yet to settle ‘tax debt’

    A Lagos High Court in Igbosere on Wednesday heard that a former Super Eagles’ captain, Augustine Jay-Jay Okocha, is yet to liquidate his alleged tax debt owed the Lagos State Government.

    The government’s lawyer, Mrs Y. A. Pitan, told Justice Adedayo Akintoye that Okocha had visited the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) office, but failed to settle the 2017 income tax evasion charge out of court.

    The judge, like she did last April 15, renewed a warrant for Okocha’s arrest. The warrant was originally made last January 29.

    Like in previous proceedings, Okocha was neither in court nor represented by a lawyer when the case was called.

    Pitan informed the court of steps the prosecution had taken to effect the arrest warrant.

    “The LIRS informed us that the defendant (Okocha) visited their office. He went there to reconcile accounts. He hasn’t settled yet,” she said.

    Read Also: Okocha to resolve tax evasion case today

    “So, what do you want the court to do,” the judge asked.

    Pitan prayed for more time following which Justice Akintoye adjourned till October 10, 2019.

    According to the government, the ex-Bolton Wanderers of England captain has failed to appear in court since October 5, 2017, when the case first came up.

    The government filed a three-count charge against Okocha on June 6, 2017, accusing him of:

    “Failure to furnish return of income for tax purposes with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service contrary to Section 94 (1) of the Personal Income Tax Act Cap P8 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 (As Amended).

    “Failure to pay income tax contrary to Section 56(a) and (b) of the Lagos State Revenue Administration Law No. 8 of 2006.

    “Failure to furnish return of Income for tax purposes with the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service contrary to Section 94(1)of the Personal Income Tax Act Cap P8 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 (As Amended).”

  • Peterside, Etomi, Okocha, Wigwe, others worried over Rivers

    A group of concerned citizens and stakeholders of Rivers State have expressed shock  over the violent incidents that characterised elections in the Southsouth state.

    They flayed the loss of lives, especially youths in some communities.

    Welcoming the setting up of probe panel by the Army to investigate the conduct of its personnel, the concerned citizens in statement, said:  “We do not believe that elections which are designed to enable the people choose their leaders should lead to their death instead. Therefore, every single death must be investigated and the culprits brought to justice.

    “Whilst we cannot and should not stop the Nigerian Army or indeed any professional body from reviewing the conduct of its own personnel, we hereby call for a judicial commission of inquiry to be speedily set up by the Federal Government to secure a broader thorough, professional and unbiased inquiry into the massive loss of lives which occurred before, during and after the elections in Rivers State.”

    Those who signed the statement are: Atedo Peterside, George Etomi, Tein George, Emmanuel Georgewill, John Azuta Mbata, O.C.J. Okocha and Herbert Wigwe.

    They said they were deeply troubled by the inability of the political leaders in the state to manage their rivalries and differences within acceptable norms of a civilised society as has been done in several other states in the country.

    It said Rivers State comprises many ethnic groups which have largely lived in harmony since its creation.

    The statement  added: “Random killings are bad enough, but where patterns are discernible and some communities become angry because they hold others responsible for the needless loss of lives in their own immediate vicinity the potential exists for a general and more troubling breakdown of law and order.

    “Our fear now is that, if not checked immediately, the escalating cycle of violence will drive away investors and investments thereby leaving our people impoverished.

    “Rivers State hosts some of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas facilities and it is crucial that we do not inadvertently encourage a return to pre-amnesty acts of vandalism and destruction that could send the national economy into a tailspin.

    “We therefore urge all indigenes of Rivers State who are engaged in politics and their Political Parties to act with restraint at all times and avoid utterances that may further inflame passions.

    “We are willing to work with sincere and responsible stakeholders and all genuine friends of Rivers State (who understand and agree that Rivers lives also matter) to find a lasting solution to the problems that have bedevilled the State of recent.”

  • Enyeama, Okocha hail Super Eagles, say better days ahead

    Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has commended the team and urged Coach Gernot Rohr to build for better days after their heartbreaking exit from the Russia 2018 World Cup on Tuesday.

    Nigeria were dumped out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after they lost 2-1 to Argentina at Saint Petersburg, Russia.

    Argentina scraped through to the Round of 16 after Lionel Messi broke his drought at the tournament to give the two-time world champions the lead in the 13th minute.

    It was the fifth time the Nigeria team was losing to Argentina at the World Cup.

    Victor Moses restored parity for the Super Eagles from the spot after Javier Mascherano was adjudged to have fouled Leon Balogun in the box.

    Marcos Rojo scored a stunning late winner three minutes from time to send Jorge Sampaoli’s side to the next round.

    Nigeria finished third in Group D with three points, one adrift of Argentina who nicked second spot with the victory.

    However, Enyeama tweeted on Wednesday “Naija forever. Win or lose. Qualify or eliminated.#WeAreNigeria we build for better days.”

    Also, former Nigerian captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, admitted that the Super Eagles lost to Argentina due to “limited experience.”

    He said “Uzoho kept us in the game with the saves he made in the second half. We panicked in the first half,” as he analysed the game on SuperSport.

    Okocha added that “We were not clear to keep more players in attack. We were limited in terms of experience.

    “It was a gift from Mascherano but then I thought we started the second half better. We got ourselves in better places. It was a fantastic penalty from Moses but I think we should have put them under more pressure.”

    On the controversial penalty denied the Super Eagles, the former Bolton Wanderers playmaker said the Nigerian team did not put more pressure on the referee.

    Marcos Rojo handled the ball in the box involuntarily and the referee viewed it on VAR but ruled it out.

    “Nobody appealed under the referee. We know what the Argentines are like. Rojo got away with one.”

    On Wilfred Ndidi’s chance in the 76th minute, Okocha said: “he had more time to keep the ball down to take a good shot.

    “Scoring is not his thing but I feel he should have kept the ball a close more to take a better shot.”

    On Odion Ighalo’s miss, Okocha’s said: “it was a glorious chance, the ball sat down well for him. If I was Ighalo, I would try to force a save from the goalkeeper. If you don’t hit the target you don’t get your job done.”

    Ighalo extended his goal drought to eight games. The Changchun Yatai striker has scored four goals in 21 games for the Super Eagles.

    On the late goal the team conceded, the former PSG play maker added: “We’ve seen so many late goals in this tournament. Poor defending. Moses reacted late. I have seen him deal with that at Chelsea. I can’t fault the effort of the player the gave their best.

    “It was going to be tough for us and it lived up to that and it went to the last three minutes, but I think we have to look at the bigger picture. Most of these players it was the first time.

    “For the manager he did well. It’s about continuity. We don’t have to point fingers at anyone,” he said.

  • Toure, Okocha, Yorke for SuperSport World Cup broadcast on DStv, GOtv

    Some of football’s biggest names have been secured by SuperSport to underpin this year’s broadcast of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on DStv and GOtv.

    Yaya Touré, one of the most celebrated African players of the past decade, will be joined by straight-talking Jay-Jay Okocha, Dwight Yorke (one half of the deadly duo which spearheaded Manchester United’s charge to a historic treble in 1999) plus former Manchester United and Everton fullback Phil Neville and Italian maestro Gianfranco Zola, one of Chelsea’s greatest players.

    Other African guests doing SuperSport duty include Samson Siasia, Shaun Bartlett, Gavin Hunt, Andre Arendse and Benni McCarthy.

    The presenters will be made up of the experienced foursome of Robert Marawa, Carol Tshabalala, Neil Andrews and Andy Townsend.

    The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 14 with the opening ceremony at 2 pm and the first match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at 4 pm. DStv customers can catch the action live on SS3, SS13 and SS14, while GOtv customers on SS Select 1 and SS Select 4.

    With a 24-hour World Cup channel already on air, the broadcast offering has been supplemented with another 24-hour High Definition World Cup channel on DStv (SS3) that will run from June 1 until July 15 that will include pre-World Cup friendlies.

    There will be build-ups for all matches with top analysis and insights from some of the sharpest minds in the game, plus world-class graphics and technology to enhance coverage in the brand-new High Definition studio that launches in June. Post-match wraps will also feature, guaranteeing the most in-depth coverage.

  • Okocha in FIFA Legends squad

    Former Nigeria captain Austin Okocha has been included in the FIFA Legends squad that will tackle the Russian National Team Legends in an exhibition match at the Football Park in Kaliningrad on Sunday, June 3, writes the official website of the regional government.

    The team of FIFA legends includes ex-goalkeeper of Switzerland Pascal Zuberbühler, ex-England defender Wes Brown, Cafu, former Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjcar, and ex-Portugal striker Nuno Gomes.

    The Swiss, Croatian, English and Nigerian teams will play in Kaliningrad during the 2018 World Cup.

    The Russian Legends will be represented by ex-players of the national team: goalkeeper Ruslan Nigmatullin, defender Dmitri Sennikov, midfielders Alexander Mostovoi, Alexei Smertin and Andrei Tikhonov, striker Alexander Panov.

    Okocha represented Nigeria at three World Cups, 1994, 1998 and 2002, playing nine games in total, and helped the country reach the last sixteen in United States and France.

    The midfielder visited Russia a year ago for the opening of the Confederations Cup Park in Kazan.

  • How Iwobi achieved ‘Uncle Jay Jay’s’ feat

    How Iwobi achieved ‘Uncle Jay Jay’s’ feat

    Back in July 1993, a young Nigerian midfielder grabbed a game by the scruff of the neck and set his side on the way to their first ever FIFA World Cup™. Almost a quarter of a century later, his nephew scored the goal that took Nigeria to their sixth global finals.

    Jay Jay Okocha’s second cap for his country saw the then 19-year-old score a superb free-kick equaliser in a World Cup qualifier against Algeria, a game his side would go on to win. Some say Okocha’s performance that day was a pivotal moment in his country’s campaign on the road to USA 1994.

    Alex Iwobi may be a couple of years older than his uncle was when he scored that crucial qualifying goal, but his youthful exuberance played its part in the strike that sent the Super Eagles soaring back to the world stage.

    On as a substitute in the tense Group B tie against Zambia, the Arsenal man had been on the pitch less than ten minutes before he arrived at just the right time to stroke home Abdullahi Shehu’s cutback from the right wing.
    The Uyo crowd were sent into delirium, much like the Lagos faithful were in July 1993 – three years before Iwobi was even born – when his uncle sent them into raptures with his superb set-piece.

    Unsurprisingly, comparisons have been made throughout Iwobi’s career. Uncle Jay Jay was once asked who Iwobi admired as a child. “It should be me, I’d be disappointed if it wasn’t!” Okocha told Joe.co.uk.

    And he would be right.

    “I was always looking up to my uncle,” Iwobi told Arsenal’s official website. “Everyone knew that he was a very big figure in Africa.”

    —
    Jay Jay Okocha
    In WCQ
    20 games: 12W/3D/5L
    4 goals

    At the World Cup
    9 games: 3W/1D/5L

    Alex Iwobi
    In WCQ
    3 games: 3W
    2 goals
    —

    Iwobi’s observation is certainly accurate. Okocha went on to play at the 1994 World Cup that he helped his country qualify for, followed by France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002.

    Russia 2018 now awaits Iwobi, and one presumes uncle Jay Jay will be watching on with beaming pride.

    “A dream come true. We’re heading to the World Cup. Nice to get the winning goal, massive thanks to our fans. The atmosphere was crazy,” Alex Iwobi.

     

     

    Source: FIFA.COM

  • Why African players battle to get recognition- Okocha

    Why African players battle to get recognition- Okocha

     

    Off the pitch worries ranging from how to overcome poverty, pressure to prove self and other challenges have been identified as reasons why African players seldom get international recognition.

    Former super Eagles Captain Jay Jay Okocha who made the submission while expressing a view on CNN, noted that

    African players are forced by circumstances beyond their control to work twice as hard if they are to enjoy recognition like their European counterparts. The former PSG and Bolton Wanderers mid field maestro however expressed hope that future players will get recognition faster as efforts are being made to remedy some of the situations serving as clog in the wheel of progress.

    “African players worry about a lot of challenges which affect them so they have to work twice as hard to earn recognition. You are under a lot of pressure to prove yourself, you worry about how to overcome poverty, and it will also interest you to know that some foreign clubs don’t sign African players because of the timing of the African Nations cup, so all these pose a lot of challenge for the African player and this no doubt can affect potentials. But a few things are being worked upon and I believe the younger players will have better chances, “he said he said

    Okocha who hailed multiple award winning duo of Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, noted that the two players have been unique especially with their ability to maintain consistency. “It is not easy to be consistent and they have managed to maintain that and that is really impressive,” he added.

    The rivalry between the two players he further noted is a positive one which has increased the desire for hard work among players for continuous self improvement.

    Okocha who played for eight different clubs in the course of his career, made 75 appearances for the super Eagles between 1993 and 2006 scoring 14 goals in the bargain.

  • Okocha ranked 33rd best foreign player in Premier League

    Okocha ranked 33rd best foreign player in Premier League

    FORMER Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha has been ranked 33rd in top 100 best foreign players to feature in the English Premier League.

    According to Football magazine, FourFourTwo, the attacking midfielder, who represented Bolton Wanderers for four seasons, was one of the foreign players, who added glamour to the EPL during his playing days in England.

    According to the magazine, “Okocha almost single-handedly rescued Bolton from relegation trouble in his first season, netting crucial long-range goals and dazzling the Premier League with a string of outrageous skills and showboats that embarrassed a host of opponents.

    “For half a season, he wasn’t far from being the best player in the league – even at Bolton,” the magazine said.

    During his heydays at Bolton, Okocha won the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2003 and 2004, and claimed the Premier League Player of the Month in November 2003.

    Former Nigeria captain and Arsenal striker, Nwankwo Kanu and erstwhile Super Eagles forward, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, were also listed in the top 100 players. The two players were ranked lower than Okocha.