Former Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, has expressed his disappointment over not winning the African Player of the Year award during his illustrious career, describing the oversight as unfair despite his significant contributions to football.
Widely regarded as one of the most skilful footballers to ever grace the game, Okocha was an instrumental figure in Nigeria’s golden generation. He featured prominently in the Super Eagles squad that clinched the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and impressed on the world stage at the USA ’94 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in a recent interview, the midfield maestro said, “At some point, I thought I did enough to have won it. But at the end of the day, maybe that’s life — you can’t have it all.”
Despite winning several individual accolades throughout his career, the former Bolton Wanderers star was repeatedly snubbed for the continent’s top individual prize. His closest attempt came in 1998 when he finished second behind Morocco’s Mustapha Hadji. He also placed third in 2003 and 2004, with Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba ahead of him — even though Okocha was crowned best player at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.
“Of course, I thought I deserved it at least once. When you look at the list of winners during my time, you’ll agree that it was unfair,” he added.
Okocha, who made 75 appearances and scored 15 goals for Nigeria between 1993 and 2006, also played club football in Germany, Turkey, France, England, and Qatar, representing iconic teams like Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton Wanderers before retiring in 2012.
Despite the award snub, the football icon says he takes solace in the legacy he left behind.
“For me, the most important thing is to be remembered for an identity. I may not have won many trophies, but I won hearts — and that’s golden,” he said.
Okocha remains a beloved figure in Nigerian and African football, known for his flair, creativity, and unforgettable moments on the pitch.
