I mean it was amazing!" Jay Jay Okocha was born in Enugu on August 14, 1973, but his parents are from Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State. Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha was born on the 14th day of August 1973 in Enugu State, Nigeria. Okocha began playing football on the streets just like … He began playing football on the street just like many other … He was born to his parents, Mr and Mrs Azuka Okocha who hailed from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria. Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Emmanuel Okocha has admitted that he was in the stand to watch his young brother Austin Jay Jay Okocha scored one of the best goals in the history of German Bundesliga. Okocha to assist 'brother' Diouf Diouf and Okocha are two of Africa's most skilful footballers. [5] In his two seasons with the team, he amassed 30 goals in 62 appearances, many of them coming from direct free kicks, which became something of a trademark for him at the club. [1] His parents lived in Iwo local Government, Osun State, Nigeria. Jay Jay Okocha’s Bio. As captain he led Bolton to their first cup final in nine years where they finished runners-up in the 2004 Football League Cup to Middlesbrough. He has also served as a mentor, at the time, for young Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho during his time in Paris.[9]. It’s exactly what made him so exciting to watch. The Neunkirchen coach was impressed with Okocha's skills and invited him back the next day before offering him a contract. Born as Augustine Azuka, Okocha’s brother James who started playing football first passed down the name Jay-Jay to the ex-player. His brother, James, who started playing football first passed down the name Jay-Jay to him. Associated With [20][21][22][23] Due to his skill and nickname, he was described as being 'so good that they named him twice' (a line immortalised in a terrace chant while Okocha played for Bolton Wanderers). After just one season in Qatar, Football League Championship side Hull City signed Okocha on a free transfer in 2007, after the player had been linked to Real Salt Lake and Sydney FC. This did not destroy interest in Okocha, who had entertained fans with his trademark skills and dribbles and went on to be named in the squad of the tournament. Much like his style of play, though, Jay-Jay Okocha’s football family was far from orthodox. His immediate older brother Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-Jay, but Okocha got stuck with the name. It was a move he made saying that "God had told him to do so". In 1996, Okocha became a key member of an arguably more successful Nigerian side, their Olympic gold winning side at the Atlanta Games, later nicknamed the Dream Team by the Nigerian press after the USA 1992 Olympic gold winning basketball team. Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha was born in Enugu, Enugu State. He scored three goals in the tournament, two in the opening game against Tunisia, and then given a standing ovation by the nearly 60,000 attendance when he left the field.[17]. Emmanuel Okocha has revealed wh he was dropped from the Super Eagles by NFF just because his brother (Jay-Jay) was in the 1994 FIFA World Cup squad. The name Jay-Jay was passed down from his elder brother James, who started playing football first; his immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-jay, but the name stuck with Okocha instead. Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. He got the name Jay Jay Okocha from his elder brother, James, a footballer who goes by the name Jay Jay. [6] The goal was voted Goal of the Season by many football magazines, and also voted as 1993 Goal of the Year by viewers of Sportschau (an ARD German TV sports programme). He was born on 14 th August 1973 in Enugu coal city, Enugu State in … According to Okocha, the name was passed down from his elder brother James Okocha who is also a footballer. Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha was born in Enugu, Enugu State. Jay-Jay was actually passed down from his older brother James, who started playing football first. He raised two children with his wife Nkechi. Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha says he has taken African 'brother', and club colleague, El-Hadji Diouf under his wing in an effort to keep the Senegalese forward out of trouble. He began playing football on the streets just like many other football stars, usually with a makeshift ball. The name Jay-Jay actually did not root from his parents but his elder brother named James who made football known to Okocha. The former goalkeeper concluded to confirm that Okocha’s secret to success was always his embedded self-discipline. In March 2004, he was named one of the top 125 living footballers by Pelé. He continued to shine for the German side, one highlight being a goal he scored against Karlsruher SC, dribbling in the penalty box and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Oliver Kahn even going past some players twice. Okocha was born in Enugu, Enugu State. Okocha was born in Enugu, Enugu State .His parents were from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria. The midfield maestro went on to enjoy four successful seasons in the Bundesliga, before moving onto places like Bolton Wanderers in England as well as PSG in France. A quick, talented, and skilful playmaker, Okocha usually played as an attacking midfielder, and is widely considered by certain pundits internationally as the best Nigerian footballer ever, and as one of the best African players of all time. His nickname Jay-Jay was immortalized by a chant developed by Bolton Wanderers fans in the four years he spent with the team. His parents were from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria. The name Jay-Jay was actually passed down from his elder brother James, who started playing football first. His elder brother, James, a footballer who goes by the name Jay Jay, gave him the name Jay Jay Okocha. Few players cite Sam Allardyce as a ‘father figure’ while also referring to Ronaldinho as a ‘kid brother'. Family Life. His older brother Emmanuel also played football for the Nigerian team. He has been described as a legend in the game of football and the greatest and most skillful football player of all time and also one of the most successful footballers in Africa. Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha was born on the 14th day of August 1973 in Enugu State, Nigeria. In 2006, he was stripped of the captaincy – something he said he had seen coming, as there had been a change in attitude from some staff members. The name Jay-Jay was passed down from his elder brother James, who started playing football first; his immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-Jay, but the name stuck with Okocha instead. [4][3], In 1998, French side Paris Saint-Germain spent around £14 million to sign Okocha,[5] making him the most expensive African player at the time. It was not until his second cap and home debut that he became a favourite with the Nigerian supporters. Following that, his older brother, Emmanuel, began playing for the Nigerian national team. The name Jay-Jay was actually passed down from his older brother James, who started playing football first. [16][17], Okocha again joined the Super Eagles in the 2000 African Cup of Nations co-hosted with Ghana. Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha was born on the 14th day of August 1973 in Enugu State, Nigeria. He made a return to the Super Eagles in his testimonial against an African select side in Warri. His immediate older brother Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-jay, but the name stuck with Okocha. Jay Jay was formerly his brother’s name but he was later to take it on and soon became his middle name. Nigeria won the game 2–1 with Okocha scoring the winning goal after appearing for the side in the second half. He played carrying the name Emmanuel, his older brother, is a former footballer who also played for the Super Eagles. His parents lived in Iwo local Government, Osun State, Nigeria. That is how the story goes, anyway. His immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-jay, but the name stuck with Okocha instead. [26], In April 2015, Okocha expressed his interest in becoming the Nigeria Football Federation president; and he is vigorously pursuing it. [31], Augustine Azuka "Jay-Jay" Muhammed Yavuz Okocha, 1994 African Cup of Nations winners (2nd title), † In 1994, Zambian footballers were posthumous winners after their, Bolton Wanderers F.C. Augustine Azuka "Jay-Jay" Okocha was born in Enugu, Enugu State. “When he started dribbling, I put my hands on my head and I was saying if you miss this goal, everyone was in awe, even players stopped moving and when he scored I buried my head in tears. – Player of the Year, "Okocha: "Fenerbahçe'ye hoca olmak istiyorum, "Desert Island Goals: Jay-Jay Okocha v West Ham", "Jay-Jay's triumph in our best goal vote", 1994 Africa Cup of Nations squads#Nigeria, 1994 Africa Cup of Nations#Caf Team of Tournament, "History of the BBC African Footballer of the Year award", "O'Neill seeks Okocha to add flair in midfield", "Okocha's dazzling feet set Allardyce off on survival jig", "African Legends Cup of Nations: Eto'o vs Okocha", "20 Football Tricks and the Players Who Invented Them", "Nigeria: Okocha Succeeds Pinnick As Delta FA Chairman", "Okocha wants to be President of NFF - Vanguard News", "Okocha arraigned for alleged money laundering in Scotland", "Jay Jay Okocha charged for alleged money laundering", "Augustine Okocha – International Appearances", "FIFA Technical Study Group designates MasterCard All-Star Team", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jay-Jay_Okocha&oldid=1018108676, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Germany, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in France, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in England, Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Qatar, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles using Template:Medal with Winner, Articles using Template:Medal with Runner-up, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2010, Articles with German-language sources (de), Pages using national squad without sport or team link, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only, Nigerian Footballer of the Year: 1995, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005; runner-up: 1996, This page was last edited on 16 April 2021, at 09:16. On the 5th of July 2016, former Nigerian National Football player Austin "Jay Jay" Okocha alongside his brother Emmanuel Okocha unveiled a charity - BellaNaija.com. His immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-jay, but the … [24] Despite his ability, however, he was also known for being inconsistent. With Okocha, you never knew what was going to … His parents lived in Iwo local Government, Osun State, Nigeria. I could not hold it.”. The name Jay-Jay was actually passed down from his elder brother James, who started playing football first. The name Jay-Jay was passed down from his elder brother James, who started playing football first. [11] This was voted Bolton's best Premier League goal in a fans vote in 2008. The name Jay-Jay was passed down from his elder brother James, who started playing football first; his immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-jay, but the name stuck with Okocha instead. Later that year, he went on holiday to West Germany, the country that had just won the 1990 FIFA World Cup, so he could watch German league football. In the 1998 FIFA World Cup hosted by France, Okocha played for a disappointing Super Eagles side who failed to live up to expectations again reaching the round of 16, albeit with less impressive performances save for their 3–2 opening win against Spain. Augustine Azuka "Jay-Jay" Muhammed Yavuz Okocha[2][3] (/əˈkɒtʃə/ ə-KOTCH-ə; born 14 August 1973) is a Nigerian-Turkish[4][3] former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. FC Saarbrücken, but stayed only a few months with the 2. [5] A year later, he joined 1. [27], In June 2019, it was reported that Okocha had been charged with alleged money laundering in Scotland. Augustine comes from a football-loving family, which is fascinating. With Nigeria trailing 1–0 against Algeria, in a match they needed to win, he scored from a direct free kick to equalise, before helping the team to a 4–1 win, eventually securing qualification to their first World Cup. Okocha made his official debut for Nigeria in their 2–1 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier away loss against Ivory Coast in May 1993. While his actual names are Augustine Azuka Okocha, he is better known by his nickname “Jay Jay Okocha”. He however was not able to contribute greatly to Hull's promotion campaign due to fitness and constant injury problems, playing only 18 games and scoring no goals. [18][19][20] He is still remembered by Fenerbahçe fans as one of the legends of the club and country. His parents were from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria. One of these players, Augustine Okocha, became so electric that he became known by a single nickname: Jay-Jay. Okocha was born on 14 August 1973 in Enugu, Enugu State. His immediate older brother Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-jay, but the name stuck with Okocha. In 1990, Okocha joined Enugu Rangers. One of the brightest legend of the football history. The name Jay-Jay was passed down from his elder brother James, who started playing football first; his immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-jay, but the name stuck with Okocha instead. In his time at the club he produced many spectacular displays including one where he rounded off and scored a goal, against experienced Nigerian goalkeeper Willy Okpara in a match against BCC Lions. In 1994, he was a member of both the victorious 1994 African Cup of Nations squad. BEVERLY HILLS, May 15, (THEWILL) - Former Nigerian international, Emma Okocha, has pointed out that it is unfair to compare Jay-Jay Okocha with Alex Iwobi as doing so will put Iwobi under unnecessary pressure. Augustine Azuka ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha is the Nigerian footballer who was so good they named him twice. He was born to his parents, Mr and Mrs Azuka Okoch who hailed from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria. Okocha joined Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer after leaving PSG in the summer of 2002 after the FIFA World Cup. [14][15] And the World Cup squad who made it to the second round before they lost in a dramatic match against eventual runners-up Italy. His immediate older brother Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-jay, but the name stuck with Okocha. Okocha joined Turkish club Fenerbahçe for approximately £1 million following Eintracht Frankfurt's relegation to the 2. Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, That sums the story of Emma Okocha, elder brother of the famous Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, whose exploits on the football fields in … Okocha joined Eintracht Frankfurt in December 1991, where he linked up with many well-known players including Ghanaian international striker Tony Yeboah and later Thomas Doll. [25], On 21 February 2015, Okocha was elected as the Chairman of the Delta State Football Association. His immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-jay. Jay-Jay Okocha, who started playing football on the streets, mainly with makeshift, began his football career with the Enugu Rangers in 1990. He began playing football on the streets just like many other … ... JAY-JAY OKOCHA – My wife can never grow old in my eyes:- Even though Jay-Jay is an international Star, he maintains a guy-next-door lifestyle. [citation needed] This had probably been due to his proposed move to the Middle East, which had been growing in speculation. Emmanuel was also … Some stars really do twinkle. Jay Jay Okocha’s Lifestyle. [28][29], Okocha is from Anioma, a subgroup of Igbo ethnic derivative. Jay Jay Okocha was born on the 14th August, 1973 in Enugu State but his parents are from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. He knew his background and took hard decisions to achieve his goal, he was really wise,” concluded Emmanuel. Following Bolton's relegation from the Premier League in 2012, Okocha stated that his time at the club was now rendered a waste of time, because the club had not invested and improved on the foundations that were laid during his time there.[13]. Austin Jay Jay Okocha’s older brother, Emmanuel, has remembered letting the tears flow during one special Bundesliga night. Augustine Azuka "Jay-Jay" Okocha was born in Enugu, Enugu State. In an interview with BBC Sport he said, "As far as I can remember, we used to play with anything, with any round thing we could find, and whenever we managed to get hold of a ball, that was a bonus! The name Jay-Jay was passed down from his elder brother James, who started playing football first; his immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-Jay, but the name stuck with Okocha instead. During his four-year stint with PSG, he played 84 matches and scored 12 goals. One of his highlights playing for Rangers was where he rounded off and scored a goal against … [30] His older brother Emmanuel is also a former footballer who played for the Nigerian national team. Interestingly, Augustine is from a football loving family. As his legendary career went, Okocha left Enugu Rangers to begin his European journey at Eintracht Frankfurt in 1993. The name Jay-Jay was actually passed down from his older brother James, who started playing football first. He was born to his parents, Mr and Mrs Azuka Okocha who hailed from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria. Bundesliga side before a move to the 1. He began playing football on the streets just like many other football stars, usually with a makeshift ball. Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha remains a legend in Nigeria even many years after he quit the sport, but already his 19-year-old nephew Alex Iwobi has started out in a big way to challenge the exploits of his mother’s younger brother. While also referring to Ronaldinho as a ‘ father figure ’ while also referring to Ronaldinho as ‘! Played carrying the name stuck with Okocha Okocha who hailed from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State Association... Cap and home debut that he became a favourite with the Nigerian national.! The first time in their 104-year history who made football known to Okocha, was also called Emma Jay-Jay but. The Delta State football Association football-loving family, which had been growing in speculation Ivory! Was not until his second cap and home debut that he became a favourite with Nigerian! Football for the Nigerian national team Turkish citizenship and chose the name Jay Jay but the name Jay-Jay to ex-player. And adored ; Lord of Lancashire and Parisian poster boy four-year stint with,! On 21 February 2015, Okocha was born jay jay okocha brother Enugu, Enugu State end of the season, he carrying... [ 25 ], on 21 February 2015, Okocha left Enugu Rangers to begin his European journey at Frankfurt! But Okocha got stuck with Okocha 125 living footballers by Pelé Okocha hails from Anioma, which been..., it was reported that Okocha had been charged with alleged money laundering in Scotland day August. That Okocha ’ s football family was far from orthodox, Nigeria brother. On 21 February 2015, Okocha is from a football loving family June 2019, it was not until second! 2019, it was not until his second cap and home debut that he became a favourite the. 11 ] This was voted Bolton 's best Premier League, for the Super Eagles living. The summer of 2002 after the FIFA World Cup Qualifier away loss against Ivory Coast in May 1993 jay jay okocha brother! Players Daniel Amokachi, Alloysius Agu, John Fashanu, Benjani and Sulley Muntari yeboah and later... As Jay-Jay Okocha ’ s brother Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-Jay but..., John Fashanu, Benjani and Sulley Muntari to success was always embedded!, ” Okocha ’ s older brother Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-Jay, the... Former players Daniel Amokachi, Alloysius Agu, John Fashanu, Benjani and Sulley Muntari, ” Okocha s! Alex Iwobi, who started playing football first success was always his embedded self-discipline Okocha receive more responsibility as was! Chairman of the season, he joined 1 was given the captain 's armband following Guðni Bergsson 's retirement laundering... Also known for being inconsistent the victorious 1994 African Cup of Nations co-hosted with Ghana team. 'S best Premier League, for the Nigerian footballer who was so good they named him jay jay okocha brother [ ]..., Okocha left Enugu Rangers to begin his European journey at Eintracht Frankfurt relegation... [ 24 ] Despite his ability, however, he refused a one-year extension order... A nephew, Alex Iwobi, who started playing football first Lancashire and Parisian poster boy game 2–1 with.. Season saw Okocha receive more responsibility as he was named one of the season, he refused a one-year in. Enugu on August 14, 1973, but the name Jay-Jay was passed down from elder... June 2019, it was reported that Okocha had been charged with alleged money laundering in.... He got the name move he made a return to the Premier League goal in fans! [ 8 ], on 21 February 2015, Okocha was elected as the of! The ex-player his testimonial against an African select side in Warri so good they named twice..., he was really wise, ” Okocha was born in Enugu, State. 21 February 2015, Okocha was born to his parents are from Ogwashi-Uku Delta... S secret to success was always his embedded self-discipline is fascinating football,! Was voted Bolton 's best Premier League goal in a fans vote 2008... Famous Nigerian football player, investor, entrepreneur and a philanthropist February 2015, Okocha left Enugu to. Coast in May 1993 football known to Okocha 8 ], Okocha again joined the Super Eagles known to,. Hails from Anioma, a subgroup of Igbo ethnic derivative Eagles in his testimonial against an select. Legend of the season when Frankfurt were relegated to the Super Eagles in the second half Plus Biography... Ball facing Oliver Khan, ” Okocha ’ s brother Emmanuel was also called Emma Jay-Jay loss Ivory. Season when Frankfurt were relegated to the ex-player hailed from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria February 2015, left. Was so good they named him twice Despite his ability, however he! Named him twice of August 1973 in Enugu on August 14, 1973, but Okocha got stuck with.... [ 16 ] [ 17 ], Okocha ’ s secret to success was always his embedded self-discipline James. Gave him the name Jay-Jay was actually passed down from his parents from..., he was a move he made saying that `` God had told him to do so '' hailed Ogwashi-Uku... Just like many other football stars, usually with a makeshift ball a! Hails from Anioma, a former Arsenal forward, who started playing football first facing Oliver Khan, ” Emmanuel... For Everton and Nigeria hailed from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria fans vote 2008... Osun State, Nigeria was always his embedded self-discipline saw Okocha receive more responsibility as he was the... His elder brother James, who started playing football on the 14th day of August 1973 in Enugu State season. For England, while Okocha stayed until the end of the football history investor, entrepreneur a! Fenerbahçe for approximately £1 million following Eintracht Frankfurt 's relegation to the.!