‘I wasn’t taught to play football’ – Super Eagles legend Okocha

By Olaolu Joseph
Super Eagles legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has revealed that he learned to play football without any formal instruction.
Renowned for his captivating flair and unique style, Okocha left a lasting impression on fans and fellow professionals throughout his career.
The origins of his extraordinary abilities trace back to his upbringing in Enugu, Nigeria, where football was more than just a sport—it was a means of self-expression.
For Okocha and his peers, football was a source of joy and freedom. It was an unstructured, playful environment that nurtured his natural talent and creativity, qualities he later showcased on the professional stage.
“I think it was my background, my upbringing, playing for the love of the game as a child. I wasn’t taught how to play football; I went out there and just started playing because I love the game,” Okocha told Sky Sports.
He continued: “It was our only toy, where we could express our joy and freedom without any manager or anyone nagging or telling you what to do.
“Taking football on later as my profession—you can imagine how great it felt to have your toy and be paid to enjoy it,” he added.
Okocha’s journey to European football began unexpectedly during a holiday in Germany in 1990. A chance opportunity to train with Borussia Neunkirchen marked the start of a groundbreaking spell in German football.
Following successful stints at Fenerbahçe and Paris Saint-Germain, Okocha’s career took another surprising turn, leading him to the northwest of England, where he left an indelible mark on the Premier League.