Okocha Reacts to Viral Picture of Him Carrying Child Who Fans Claim It’s Okoronkwo

• Jay Jay Okocha has reacted to a viral report that he carried eight-year-old Esther Okoronkwo on his shoulders at Reebok Stadium in 2005
• The claim, which was sparked by a post from an X user, has gone viral on the internet, leaving fans reacting
• Okocha dismissed the narrative as false, quashing the story that tied his past to Okoronkwo’s recent WAFCON heroics

Nigerian football legend Jay Jay Okocha has reacted to viral claims that he carried eight-year-old Esther Okoronkwo on his shoulders at Reebok Stadium in 2005.

Okoronkwo, now 28, was part of the Super Falcons squad that won the 10th WAFCON title in Morocco on Saturday night.

Despite trailing 2-0 in the first half against the hosts, she scored a penalty to reduce the deficit, assisted Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser, and set up Jeniffer Echegini’s winning goal.

The AFC Toronto forward earned the Player of the Match Award, and the social media space was awash with posts about her.

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An X user @BobMfonmma shared a photo of Okocha carrying a child during his playing days and added the caption:

“Jay Jay Okocha with 8-year-old Esther Okoronkwo at the Reebok Stadium in 2005. Anointed from childhood!"

Meanwhile, an unimpressed Okocha dismissed it as false. He told Punch:

“That’s nonsense. This is my son."

Okoronkwo captured the hearts of many Nigerians with two goals and six assists at the just-concluded WAFCON tournament in Morocco.

Initially a super substitute in Nigeria’s first two matches, she earned a starting role from the third game against Algeria through to the final.

Nigeria’s thrilling victory over Morocco on Saturday clinched the Super Falcons’ 10th continental title, adding to their triumphs in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.

Osimhen joins Super Falcons celebrations

Meanwhile, Super Eagles and Napoli of Italy forward Victor Osimhen joined Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala in celebrations as Nigeria claimed their 10th WAFCON title.

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Emotional scene as Mum breaks down in tears after Super Falcons WAFCON win, video

The Nigerian women's national football team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 at Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday night.

Despite starting on a back foot, trailing 2-0 at half-time after goals from Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, the Falcons roared back in the second half with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini, sealing a historic victory.

Right after the game, the celebrations were electric, with Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala sharing a joyous FaceTime call with Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

President Tinubu hails Super Falcons

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria's Super Falcons for winning the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the 10th time in the history of the prestigious tournament.

The president sent his congratulatory message in a statement signed by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shortly after the team secured its victory in the competition final on Saturday night, July 26.

Source: Legit.ng