Austin Okocha, a former captain of the Super Eagles, turned 50 on Monday, and his accomplishment was widely celebrated by his former clubs, the Nigeria Football Federation, and FIFA.
Okocha established his reputation playing for Nigeria at the World Cup, Olympics, and Africa Cup of Nations before quitting international football in 2006. He was born on August 14, 1973, in Enugu. He appeared for seven clubs in Europe and Asia after playing for Enugu Rangers in Nigeria.
Okocha won 73 times for Nigeria, and the NFF congratulated him on the occasion of his golden jubilee.
“Happy birthday to former Super Eagles midfielder and captain Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, who turns 50 today (Monday). Hearty cheers Jay-Jay. So good, they named you twice,” the NFF message read.
FIFA govering body recognized Okocha’s extraordinary talent even though Nigeria and his team did not win the World Cup.
FIFA wrote, “One of football’s greatest magicians. So good they named him twice, happy 50th birthday Jay-Jay Okocha!”
Enugu Rangers, a seven-time NPFL winner, also led the heartfelt tributes from Okocha’s past teams.