Austin Okocha: Africa’s 5th largest country invites Super Eagles legend for NFC final

Chad’s football scene is set to receive a major boost as the Chadian Football Federation (CFF) has confirmed the participation of Nigerian football legend Austin Okocha in the final of the country’s national football championship, Soccernet.ng reports.

The highly-anticipated event is scheduled to take place today, Sunday, July 23, 2023.

Joining Okocha in the celebration of Chadian football will be Senegalese football hero Khalilou Fadiga, adding to the excitement and prestige of the occasion.

The CFF officially announced their presence in a press release issued by the Standardization Committee of the federation, as per Dworaczek-Bendome.

Inviting these two iconic figures from the African football world is rooted in the desire to inspire and motivate young Chadian talents who aspire to have successful international careers.

The CFF sees Okocha and Fadiga as shining examples of African success stories, particularly for football enthusiasts and aspiring players in Chad.

With ambitions to develop the national championship and strengthen Chadian football clubs, the CFF is openly embracing the potential that comes with inviting such intercontinental stars to grace the final.

The move is expected to not only elevate the standards of football in the country but also attract significant attention and interest.

Chad, despite being Africa’s fifth-largest country in terms of land area, has struggled to make a mark in the football arena.

However, with the involvement of Austin Okocha, who is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest players and a global football icon, the nation hopes to generate substantial publicity and gain recognition on the international stage.

Okocha’s illustrious career includes stints at top European clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, PSG, and Bolton Wanderers, where he left an indelible mark as a playmaker.

His influence and popularity extend beyond football circles, making him one of the most recognizable faces worldwide.

Meanwhile, Soccernet.ng earlier reported that there are talks of Okocha potentially taking on a significant role in Nigerian politics as he has been tipped to become the next Minister of Youth and Sports for Nigeria.