Austin Jay Jay Okocha, who served as captain of the Super Eagles in the past, gave a speech on Thursday in which he encouraged the current players on the team to be more reliable and steady in their play as they strive to keep their position as Africa’s top team.
The unpredictable midfielder offered the sage counsel during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, which took place on the occasion of the unveiling of the African Heroes Penalty Cup.
Okocha, who recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the first time he was called up to the Senior National team, stated that the Super Eagles team had been less impressive in recent years due to their absence from important competitions such as the World Cup.
“We all want to see our Super Eagles doing well because we know how painful it is to not be in the World Cup, and the team needs to get their bearings before moving forward.
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“The Super Eagles need to be more consistent, despite the fact that it is abundantly clear that they are not. It is common knowledge that when it comes to football, we as a nation have high expectations.
“There is no lack of talent among us; therefore, the most important thing is to put together a strong team; a team that is capable of representing the country in the manner in which they ought to.”
He expressed that “we as former players will always support them and wish them all the best.”
Regarding the possible extension of the current coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Pesseiro’s contract, Okocha explained that he had high hopes that the Nigeria Football Federation would make an educated decision.
Football is a game that is decided by the results, so if a team is performing well, they will be rewarded; if not, they will receive something else. If the coach is not doing a good job, his position as head coach could be in jeopardy.
“It is not in my place to advise the NFF what to do about Pesseiro’s contract, because they are there for a reason, they should take a wise decision and get it right,” he said. “Because they are there for a reason, they should get it right.”
Okocha also gave the in-form Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen some sound advice, telling him to keep his head up and make the most of the opportunity he had.
“My piece of advice for Osimhen is to keep a level head while also maintaining a high level of passion and spirit. It is obvious that he plays with people’s desires for food, and that quality is one of the things that I admire most about him.
“Osimhen should not let down his guards,” the man advised.
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In addition to this, the former player for Paris Saint-German stated that his participation in the upcoming Africa Heroes Penalty Cup would provide him with the opportunity to get together with his former teammates from the sport of football.
“The focus for me is to have the chance to compete once again; this is our safe zone, and there is no pressure to do well.”
Okocha said, “Despite the fact that it is a competition, I will be meeting with my former colleagues and adversaries.”
According to NAN, Okocha will be competing in the African Heroes Penalty Cup alongside Daniel Amokachi and Finidi George to represent Nigeria. In addition, Okocha will be the Tournament Facilitator for the competition.
Later on in the year, Lagos will play host to the African Heroes Penalty Cup at a date that has not yet been determined.
In addition to Nigeria, which will serve as the event’s host, seven other African nations—Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, Mali, and Cote d’Ivoire—will take part in the competition for the first time.
Every nation will have three players compete in a single elimination tournament to determine who will move on to the finals and determine who will take home the trophy at the end of the competition.
