CAF Pays Tribute to JJ Okocha on His 52nd Birthday: “A Walking Legacy”
- African football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha is celebrating his 52nd birthday today, August 14
- The former Super Eagles star is widely regarded as the most talented footballer to come out of Africa
- The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sent a fitting birthday message to the legend
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have paid a glowing tribute to football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha as he turns 52 years old today, August 14.
Okocha was an embodiment of talent and skills during his illustrious career, which spanned nearly two decades from the late 80s to 2008 when he officially retired.
Source: Getty Images
He played for multiple clubs across top European clubs, including those in Germany, Turkey, France, England and had a short stint in the Middle East.
CAF pays tribute to Okocha
CAF’s official X account shared a post to celebrate the legendary footballer on his birthday, and fans joined in wishing him a happy day.
“A walking legacy. A name that echoes. Celebrating the birthday of CAF Ambassador Jay-Jay Okocha! A true Nigerian legend. 🎂🇳🇬,” the post reads.
@oba_isi replied:
“CAF una nor well oh? Which one is a Nigerian legend? Jay Jay is an African legend. Someone that was so good they named him twice?”
@Elpeeus wrote:
“Happy birthday to the only person who understands the language of BALL, he speaks to it and ball obeys, AUSTIN OKOCHA.”
@ImaredonJ wrote:
“Happy birthday to the legendary JJ Okocha. He remains the most talented footballer in the history of African football.”
@I_amMusti wrote:
“One of the best of his generation. He played as if his life depended on it. Happy birthday 🎂 J.J. Okocha.”
Okocha’s stats at CAF tournaments
As noted by Transfermarkt, Okocha played at five Africa Cup of Nations, including being part of the triumphant Super Eagles team that won in 1994.
His best performances came in 2000 on home soil, where he scored in the final, but Nigeria lost to eventual winners Cameroon 6-5 on penalties.
He had another outstanding outing at Tunisia 2004, during which he scored four goals and shared the golden boot with Patrick Mboma, Frédéric Kanouté and Francileudo Santos.
Source: Getty Images
In total, he played 22 games at the tournament and scored seven goals. He captained Nigeria at three consecutive outings in 2002, 2004 and 2006, all of which ended in third-place finishes.
Okocha speaks about the pride of AFCON
Okocha reached the semi-final in all five AFCONs he played at, winning once. He described winning the tournament as a beautiful feeling for an African.
“It's really very important for an African footballer because nothing is more beautiful than knowing that you are an African champion, that you are the best team in Africa. So, for us, it is priceless, as Africans, to win or participate in the AFCON,” he told CAF Online.
Why Okocha did not win Ballon d'Or
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Habib Beye explained why Okocha didn't win the Ballon d'Or despite being one of the most talented African footballers of all time.
The former Senegalese international footballer believes that the quality of the teams Okocha played for did not help his push to win the Golden Ball.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
