It’s been more than a decade since the Super Eagles hero said his goodbyes to active football, but his style and legend is still inspiring young talents who were toddlers when he was rocking the Premier League
New West Ham signing Armstrong Oko-Flex has confirmed his Nigerian roots while naming Bolton Wanderers icon Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha among the superstars he admired when growing up.
Widely regarded as one of the most gifted African midfielders football has ever seen, Okocha was the master of the dribble, armed with the biggest ever bag of tricks.
From Frankfurt to Fenerbahce to Paris Saint Germain to Bolton Wanderers to the Super Eagles and the four corners of the earth, fans still relive the many beautiful memories left behind by the two-time BBC Africa Footballer of the Year.
While Oko-Flex was an infant when Okocha was at the peak of his powers in the Premier League, the 19-year-old revealed he saw on Youtube some of the ‘crazy things’ the Nigerian legend did with the ball at his feet.
The skilful Irish lad, while admitting that he has Nigerian roots, also confessed that Okocha – alongside Brazilian greats Ronaldinho and Ronaldo – inspired his style of play.
“I grew up admiring a few players: Ronaldinho because he was just gifted; Brazilian Ronaldo, who, for a No9, had everything; and Jay-Jay Okocha, because my parents are originally from Nigeria, and he’s someone I grew up watching on YouTube – he did some crazy things back in the past!”, Oko-Flex told West Ham United’s official site.
“I also like to entertain, but it’s also about doing it in the right amount. Goals win you games, and I’m an attacker, so goals and assists are very important to me.
“I like to be direct, take on players, and work hard for the team and myself as well.”
“I just try and create as many goals as possible and help my team to win.
“As a footballer, I just want to play at the highest level I can.”
“I want to play for my country and just make my family and the people around me proud.”
“I can’t wait for the season to start, to get more games, and hopefully try and achieve some goals that I have within myself.”
Born in Dublin and trained at Arsenal, Oko-Flex spent the last three years at Celtic, and it was with the Bhoys that he earned the national team callup to represent the Republic of Ireland’s U19 side.
Still eligible to play for the Super Eagles, Oko-Flex joined West Ham United on June 25, on a two-year contract with an option for a third year.
This post was last modified on June 26, 2021 11:58 am
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Jay jay was very good, even when he missed his target, no hard feeling, he smiles, he saw it as normal and next he won't miss the his target again. I just love the guy mennnnnn, he too good
Jay jay is the best ever I've ever seen, he doesn't get angry even if u tackle him hard, yes I agreed that there are true football legends but of a truth, despite not really picking all they achieved none of dem can really boast of what jay jay can do with the ball on the pitch of play, none can do all he did in d crazy manners mannnnn
Entertainment comes with soccer and dribbling comes with number 10, No player ever in the whole world comes closer to his dribbling skills. Had he been a white man he would have been worship like a god, okochas skills is second to none and it's evident when he played in the premier League. He didn't play in big team in EPL but still the lower team he played for he carried them on his shoulder like a giant. He turned arsenal players to dummy in some games against his team. He was scoring free kicks bending it silly more than " bend it like Beckham accronym" No player in the whole world will do what okocha did in Frankfurt. The goal German goal of the year cannot be compared to any legend. He did that with the best goalkeeper in the world then. His skills is second to none. Thank you jay jay. He was so good they name him twice.
He was so good that they have to name him twice they say " jay jay' but wondered why he was never considered for by car as the African footballer of the year... Football to me is more than just entertainment as seen by okocha
Jay Jay history in football will never end because he open so many players eye to know how to play ball . someone like ronadiho will talk of Jay Jay more better
Okocha is the greatest football dribler and entertainer of all times. He was not celebrated because he is a blackman. Posterity will paint his name on Gold
I cried the day I had that Jay Jay is quieting football. He was everything you like to see on field of play about football. Splendid spirit, smiles always. His passion for what he loves to do gave him peace of mind. He is still my number one any day.
Austin Jay Jay Okocha I always love to see him playing but football is not like that, so good they name him twice...I can't forget him during the nation's cup Tunisia 94 semi final he did one two tapi with benefit iroha which leads to goal, Ghana Nigeria nation's cup year 2000 final against Cameroon brought Nigeria back to the game, free kick against Cameroon again nation's cup 2004 in Tunisia....I love u Jay Jay which to see u more.... plz take the the job of coach or manager bye