Austin Jay Jay Okocha turned 50 years old on August 14 and he threw a big party to commemorate this milestone in his life.
To this end, some African legends stormed his birthday party in the spirit of solidarity. Asamoah Gyan and Emmanuel Adebayor were among the stars who were seen at Okocha’s 50th birthday celebration, per the content of a video shared on the internet.
Among those who present were Gyan, Adebayor, Khalilou Fadiga, Daniel Amokachi, Julius Aghahowa, and Emmanuel Emenike.
The former Nigerian player received tons of effusive messages from football fans and colleagues around the world on social media.
Okocha had 73 caps for Nigeria, with the NFF giving him a shoutout on 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 wrote, “One of football’s greatest magicians. So good they named him twice, happy 50th birthday Jay-Jay Okocha!”
“Happy birthday to Rangers legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha. In 1990, he joined the Enugu Rangers. 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 the BCC Lions. From all of us at Rangers International FC, Enugu, we wish you the best now and always.”
Okocha was an attacking midfielder during his time as a professional footballer in Nigeria. Between 1993 and 2006, he earned 73 Nigerian national team caps, scored 14 goals, and was a part of three FIFA World Cup squads. He is regarded as one of Africa’s all-time best football players.
He started his career with Enugu Rangers in the Nigerian Professional Football League and played in several different leagues until transferring to Borussia Neunkirchen in the Oberliga Südwest, Germany’s third division, in July 1990. Prior to his retirement in 2008, he competed in the Bundesliga, Turkish Super Lig, French Ligue 1, English Premier League, EFL Championship, and Qatar Stars League.
Meanwhile, check out the video we mentioned earlier.
