Sports
Nigerian Football Star, Jay-Jay Okocha Turns 52 Today
Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha born 14 August 1973, Nigerian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder turns 52 today.
He had 73 caps for the Nigeria national team between 1993 and 2006, scoring 14 goals, and was a member of three FIFA World Cup squads. He is regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time and one of the most influential dribblers in World football history.
He played across multiple leagues, starting his career at Enugu Rangers in the Nigerian Professional Football League before moving to Borussia Neunkirchen in the Oberliga Südwest, Germany’s third division, in July 1990.
He played in the Bundesliga, Süper Lig, Ligue 1, Premier League, EFL Championship, and Qatar Stars League before his retirement in 2008.
quick, talented, agile, and skilful playmaker, Okocha usually played as an attacking midfielder, and is widely considered by pundits internationally as the best Nigerian footballer ever, and as one of the best African players of all time.
Okocha was known for his confidence and clever trickery with the ball, technique, creativity, flair, close control, and smooth dribbling skills, as well as his turn of pace and his use of feints, in particular his version of the stepover (nicknamed the Okocha stepover) and his trademark turns.
In 2012, Allan Jiang of Bleacher Report rated Okocha as one of the greatest dribblers of all time.
Due to his range of passing, Okocha was capable of creating chances for teammates; he was also known for his ability to produce long throw-ins.
While not being particularly prolific or consistent in his finishing or goalscoring, Okocha, possessed a powerful shot from long range and was an effective free-kick taker, which saw him score some spectacular and ingenious goals through his career.
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).
He is still remembered by Fenerbahçe fans as one of the legends of the club and the Turkish football league.
In addition to being an inspiration for many other African footballers, such as Asamoah Gyan, Okocha also was a major influence on the playing style of several other footballers across the globe, including German playmaker Mesut Özil,as well Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho, whom Okocha played alongside during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain.
Okocha became known as the “African Maradona” in the media, due to his skill and decisive performances for his country.
Despite his ability, however, he was also known for being inconsistent, and for his lack of tactical discipline on the pitch.
Sports
AFCON 2025: Davido wins $96,564 bet on Nigeria win against Tanzania
The artist had staked $25,000 on a prediction that both Nigeria and Tanzania would score during their Group C encounter.
Music star Davido has emerged victorious after placing a winning bet on the Super Eagles’ opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The artist had staked $25,000 on a prediction that both Nigeria and Tanzania would score during their Group C encounter.
The match, played in Fes, Morocco, lived up to expectations as Nigeria secured a 2-1 win over Tanzania.
Ademola Lookman’s decisive goal sealed the victory for the Super Eagles, ensuring Davido’s prediction landed successfully.
The music star reportedly walked away with a payout of $96,564, turning his pre-match gamble into a significant win.
The outcome has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with fans praising both the Super Eagles’ performance and Davido’s football instincts.
(The Nation)
Sports
AFCON 2025: Nigeria beats Tanzania 2-1
The win gives Nigeria a perfect start to their Group C campaign, while Tanzania will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
Photo: AFP/ Getty Images
Nigeria ‘s Super Eagles this evening, beat Tanzania’s Taifa Stars to a 2-1 slim victory at the Stade de Fez, Morocco .
The Super Eagles started strongly, with Victor Osimhen and Lookman causing early problems for the Tanzanian defence.
Nigeria’s first real chance came in the 11th minute when Chukwueze’s corner found Akor Adams, whose shot was saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.
Tanzania responded with long-range efforts, but Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept his side on course.
Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Alex Iwobi’s lofted cross found Ajayi, who powered a header into the net to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.
The first half ended with Nigeria holding the advantage despite Tanzania showing glimpses of attacking intent in the wet conditions.
The second half began in spectacular fashion. Tanzania’s M’Mombwa equalised in the 50th minute, slotting a lofted delivery into the bottom-left corner.
Nigeria responded almost immediately, with Lookman collecting the ball outside the box and fired a left-footed strike past Masudi in the 52nd minute to restore the Super Eagles’ lead.
Substitutions followed as Nigeria introduced Simon Moses, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Paul Onuachu, while Tanzania brought on John, Job, and Mnonga to boost their attack.
Tanzania came close late on, with John flashing a low shot wide in the 83rd minute, but Nigeria held firm to secure all three points.
The win gives Nigeria a perfect start to their Group C campaign, while Tanzania will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
Sports
President Tinubu fulfils housing and land pledges to Super Eagles for 2023 AFCON feat
Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the documents were presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.
The Federal Government has fulfilled its housing and land pledges to Super Eagles players for their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had confirmed that players received certificates for the allocated plots of land and housing units promised by President Bola Tinubu.
Similarly, Promise Efoghe, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the documents were presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.
Nigeria finished second at the tournament, played in 2024, after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.
On their return, Tinubu hosted the team at the Presidential Villa and conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each squad member.
The president also approved a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory and a flat for every player in recognition of their performance.
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