Brazilian football legend Zico has declared former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha as the greatest African footballer of all time.
The 71-year-old made the remark during an appearance on John Obi Mikel’s “Obi One Podcast” on Thursday, where he praised Okocha’s flair, creativity, and technical brilliance on the ball.
“I like Okocha — a fantastic player. Number 10, Okocha. Eto’o, fantastic. George Weah, Drogba,” Zico said when asked to name the best African player he has ever seen.
The Brazilian icon, renowned for his own artistry and vision during his playing days, said Okocha’s style of football was “fantastic” and stood out among his peers, describing him as a true entertainer who played with joy and imagination.
Zico also reaffirmed his belief that his compatriot Pelé remains the greatest footballer of all time globally.
Okocha, now 52, enjoyed a distinguished career for both club and country, earning 73 caps and scoring 14 goals for Nigeria. He starred at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, the 1994 World Cup, and helped Nigeria to Olympic gold in Atlanta 1996, cementing his status as one of the continent’s most gifted players.
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