Nigerian football legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha has opened up about one of the biggest disappointments of his career never winning the CAF Player of the Year award. In a candid interview with Omasports, the former Super Eagles captain admitted he believed he had done enough during his career to deserve the honour.
“I thought I did enough to have won it… But maybe that’s life,” Okocha said. “You can’t have it all. But I believe I deserved it on at least one occasion.”
Okocha dazzled fans with his flair and creativity at clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe, PSG, and Bolton Wanderers. Internationally, he helped Nigeria to a historic Africa Cup of Nations win in 1994 and Olympic gold in 1996, and he finished as top scorer at AFCON 2004.
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Despite these achievements, the award eluded him. His closest finish was second place in 1998 behind Morocco’s Mustapha Hadji.
Editorial
There are few African footballers as widely loved as Jay-Jay Okocha. His artistry on the ball, his football intelligence, and his unmatched flair made him a generational talent. And yet, the CAF Player of the Year award the highest individual honour on the continent—never found its way into his hands. It’s a stain on the record books, not on his legacy.
Okocha’s omission wasn’t due to lack of performance. It was due to lack of recognition. He wasn’t just dazzling crowds he was winning trophies and elevating teams, both club and country. He was a key figure in Nigeria’s golden generation, yet year after year, the accolade went to others.
His graceful acceptance of this oversight “maybe it wasn’t meant to be” says more about his character than the votes ever could. But fans know the truth. Pundits know the truth. He deserved it.
And while awards matter, legends last longer. Jay-Jay’s name, style, and impact are immortal. You don’t need a trophy to prove that.
Did You Know?
- Okocha was the top scorer at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations with four goals unusual for a midfielder.
- He won the BBC African Footballer of the Year award twice, in 2003 and 2004.
- Okocha’s best CAF award finish was in 1998 when he came second to Mustapha Hadji.
- He was part of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning team and the 1996 Olympic gold medal team.
- Despite never winning CAF’s top award, he is considered one of the most technically gifted African footballers in history.
