Jay-Jay Okocha Voted Greatest African Footballer Of All-Time

Former Super Eagles of Nigeria captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has been voted the Greatest African Footballer Of All-Time.

In a weekslong poll by Nigeria's fast-evolving news website, AllNews, the two-time BBC African Footballer of the Year convincingly triumphed, collecting 68.87% of the total votes cast.

AllNews drew up a list of 15 African football legends that includes the likes of Didier Drogba, Roger Milla, George Weah, Samuel Eto'o, Nwankwo Kanu, Mohamed Aboutrika, and Kalusha Bwalya.

While Okocha came out tops, former Barcelona striker, Eto'o, was second with 12.26%. Kanu came third with 5.66%.

Former World Player of the Year, George Weah; and Chelsea icon, Drogba shared fourth place, jointly garnering 4.72%.

Okocha, who was born in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria, started his career from his home town, where he joined Enugu Rangers in 1990 and his dribbling prowess soon drew the attention of his compatriots.

One of his memorable moments in the Nigerian league was his skillful display against BCC Lions, where he rounded off experienced Super Eagles goalkeeper Willy Okpara before scoring.

The midfielder then moved abroad to begin his European career with FC Saarbrucken and his impressive showings soon caught the attention of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Okocha signed for the Bundesliga side in December 1991 and made 90 appearances for the club during his four-year stay.

One of his highlights at the club was his goal against Karlsruher SC in 1993, where he dribbled past a number of players, including German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn before slotting home his effort. The strike was awarded as the Goal of the Season.

The entertaining midfielder then teamed up with Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce in 1996 and helped the club win the Prime Minister's Cup and Ataturk Cup during his time with the side.

Okocha joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for £14 million to become the most expensive African player at the time and scored 12 goals in 84 appearances for the French outfit.

In 2002, he moved to Bolton Wanderers and soon became the toast of the fans, steering the club from relegation in his debut campaign.

He was handed the captain armband following the retirement of Gudni Bergsson and led the side to their first League Cup final in nine years, finishing as runner-up in the competition. He also played for Qatar SC and Hull City before his retirement. 

READ ALSO: POLL RESULT: Messi Emerges The Greatest Footballer Of All Time

Okocha had 73 caps and scored 14 goals for the Super Eagles and was part of the side that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He helped the West Africans finish as runners-up in the 2000 edition of the continental tournament and played a key role as Nigeria won bronze medals at the 2002, 2004, and 2006 AFCONs.

Okocha, 47, featured in three World Cup tournaments: in 1994, 1998, and 2002.

27 years ago today: Jay-Jay Okocha was taking liberties in the Bundesliga with this ridiculous goal.

Sent Oliver Kahn and his defence for an ice cream ?

?- @Bundesliga_EN pic.twitter.com/TdwRNkbLEw

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) September 2, 2020