Zico Names Jay-Jay Okocha as Greatest African Footballer

Zico Names Jay-Jay Okocha as Greatest African Footballer

Sports

October 17, 2025

Brazilian football legend Zico has named former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha as the greatest African footballer of all time.

Speaking on the “Obi One” Podcast hosted by former Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel, Zico praised Okocha’s exceptional talent, describing him as “a fantastic player” whose creativity, flair, and unique style set him apart from his peers.

Zico, widely regarded as one of the finest playmakers in football history, played in the 1970s and ’80s and remains a respected voice in the sport. His admiration for Okocha reflects the Nigerian’s enduring legacy as one of the most skillful midfielders to ever play the game.

In the podcast episode aired Thursday, Zico acknowledged other African greats like Samuel Eto’o, George Weah, and Didier Drogba but highlighted Okocha as his personal favorite, saying, “Number 10, Okocha. I like Okocha, a fantastic player.”

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