FIFA President Gianni Infantino Sends Message to Okocha As Nigerian Legend Clocks 52
- Jay Jay Okocha has received a special birthday message from FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he clocks 52
- The football administrator hailed the mercurial midfielder as one of the greatest footballers from Africa
- Okocha represented Nigeria in three FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998, and 2002), leaving a lasting legacy on and off the pitch
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sent a special birthday message to Nigerian football legend Jay Jay Okocha, as he celebrates his 52nd birthday.
Infantino acknowledged the birthday boy as one of the greatest footballers to ever emerge from the African continent, thanking him for his contributions on and off the pitch.
Born on August 14, 1973, in Enugu, Nigeria, the mercurial midfielder earned the nickname "Jay-Jay" for his dribbling skills, vision.
Source: Getty Images
His ability to weave through defenders with ease and execute jaw-dropping skills made him a fan favourite, especially at the club level.
He featured for the Nigerian national team in three FIFA World Cups, playing at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 editions of the Mundial, per World Net.
In a special message, Infantino wrote on his Instagram story:
"Happy Birthday to one of the greatest African players of all time and a veteran of three FIFA World Cups.
"Jay Jay Okocha it has been a real pleasure meeting you over the years and I look forward to our next interaction."
He played for some top clubs in Europe, including Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Bolton Wanderers and Paris Saint-Germain.
Football world hails Jay Jay Okocha
Meanwhile, the football world has continued to pay tribute to the ex-midfielder as he enjoys his special day.
Bundesliga posted a photo of him, adding the caption:
"So good, they named him twice. You knew the game was about to excite when Jay-Jay Okocha stepped onto the #Bundesliga pitch."
@ChrisSweetman6 added:
"The day the football world stood up to appreciate the beauty of football. Oliver Khan won't forget Jay Jay Okocha."
@Deedsmag said:
"Happy 52nd birthday to Jay Jay Okocha. The Man So good they named him twice."
@AfiaTvOfficial posted:
"Happy Birthday to Jay-Jay Okocha, Nigeria’s own midfield maestro, FIFA 100 legend, two-time BBC African Sports Personality, and Olympic gold medalist. You didn’t just play the game, you painted it. Still the finest."
@RolandUmana wrote:
"Happy birthday to the legend of the game who turned 52 years today Jay Jay Okocha. So good they name him twice."
@atlantic_deals added:
"Jay Jay Okocha at 52! He was so good they named him twice! FIFA honours the former Nigerian international footballer."
Am excited @official_manova said:
"Jay Jay Okocha is the best footballer on the planet, @10Ronaldinho said it himself.
"Okocha was Ronaldinho's mentor at PSG. Dinho didn't wear the no. 10 jersey in the 2003 NIG-BRA match to honour JJ.Happy Birthday Legend. @IAmOkocha."
Source: Getty Images
CAF pays tribute to Okocha
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has paid a glowing tribute to football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha as he celebrates another birthday.
The continental football body posted on X to celebrate the legendary footballer, and fans joined in wishing him a happy day.
Source: Legit.ng
