“Comparing Okocha with Ronaldinho is an insult to Okocha”, Nigerians attack FIFA
Nigerian former football captain, Jay-Jay Okocha clocks 48 today.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) took to social media to celebrate the legend who is 48 years today.
FIFA wrote;
“Jay-Jay Okocha: So good they named him twice. Happy birthday to Africa’s equivalent of Ronaldinho and one of the most electrifying players in football history.”
Some Nigerian football lovers seem to be unimpressed with the world’s football governing body FIFA for hailing legendary Jay-Jay Okocha as “Africa’s equivalent of Ronaldinho”.
While many congratulate the former player, some Nigerians have pointed out that it is disrespectful to mention Ronaldinho to emphasize Okocha’s birthday.
A fan replied:
“Mentioning Ronaldinho to emphasize Okocha’s birthday is such a disrespect. He was Ronaldinho’s mentor at PSG…give the man his due credit and let him stand alone.”
Another added:
“It’s not fair to say he is equivalent to Ronaldinho. Okocha was way better than Ronaldinho likes.”
One queried:
“Okocha Africa’s equivalent of Ronaldinho? What sort of sick joke and disrespect is this?”
Jay-Jay Okocha has scored 14 goals for Nigeria in his 73 appearances between 1993 and 2006. He made dribbling and nutmegs so easy during his playing days.
The former Nigerian international joined the French club Paris Saint-Germain in 1998 where he played with Brazilian maestro Ronaldinho who arrived in 2001.
Both stars were partners in the midfield for the Parisians until the Nigerian left in 2002 to join English Premier League outfit Bolton Wanderers.
