For many football fans across the continent, Jay-Jay Okocha was more than just a player — he was an artist. Known for his mesmerizing dribbling, brilliant vision, and infectious flair, the Nigerian legend lit up football pitches across Europe and Africa. But despite his unforgettable moments and worldwide admiration, one glaring omission haunts his decorated career: the CAF Player of the Year (POTY) award.
Now, years after his retirement, Jay-Jay Okocha has spoken out, declaring that he deserved to win the prestigious CAF POTY at least once. And looking back, it’s hard to argue.
3. Okocha’s BBC Dominance Proved His Continental Brilliance
During his peak years, Jay-Jay Okocha was crowned the BBC African Footballer of the Year three times — a fan-voted award that showcased how beloved he was across the globe. In 2003, 2004, and again in 2005, he beat top stars like Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba, underlining his consistency and star power.
Yet, despite this public recognition, CAF never named Jay-Jay Okocha its Player of the Year. Speaking recently, he said:
“I thought I did enough to have won it… It was not a fluke that I won the BBC award three years in a row.”
This sentiment highlights the contrast between fan perception and CAF’s voting process — a discrepancy that left many wondering why Jay-Jay Okocha was never crowned the continent’s best by the governing body.
2. The 1998 Snub: A Year of Magic Ignored
Perhaps the most controversial year in Jay-Jay Okocha’s POTY story was 1998. That season, the Nigerian maestro was untouchable. He dazzled at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, where he earned a spot in the tournament’s All-Star Team — a remarkable feat considering Nigeria’s round of 16 exit.
Jay-Jay Okocha also inspired Nigeria in numerous qualifiers and friendlies that year, and his club form with Paris Saint-Germain was equally brilliant. Yet, the CAF award went to Morocco’s Mustapha Hadji.
Many believed Nigeria’s ban from the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) — following political tensions with CAF — played a role in Okocha’s omission. Without the platform of AFCON that year, CAF voters may have undervalued his World Cup heroics.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Okocha, and one that still lingers in the minds of Nigerian football lovers.
1. 2004 AFCON Masterclass Ignored… Again
If 1998 was controversial, then 2004 was downright puzzling. In Tunisia, Jay-Jay Okocha rolled back the years, captaining Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
He ended the tournament as:
- Top Scorer
- Player of the Tournament
- Assist Leader
- And the undisputed leader of Nigeria’s squad
Yet once again, the CAF Player of the Year award went elsewhere — this time to Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o. While Eto’o’s achievements were undeniable, many argue that Jay-Jay Okocha’s individual brilliance at AFCON 2004 should have tipped the scale.
It was the final straw in a career-long saga of being recognized, but never rewarded by CAF.
A Legacy That Transcends Awards
Despite the CAF Player of the Year eluding him, Jay-Jay Okocha remains a giant of African football. He starred at:
- Eintracht Frankfurt
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Fenerbahçe
- Bolton Wanderers
At Bolton, he captained the club and became a Premier League cult hero, scoring unforgettable goals and pulling off outrageous skills week in, week out.
Beyond the clubs and competitions, his impact on African football is immeasurable. Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus recently called Jay-Jay Okocha the “greatest African player of all time.”
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And to millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond, he still is.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity by CAF
Awards don’t always tell the full story. But in the case of Jay-Jay Okocha, the absence of a CAF Player of the Year title is more than a missing trophy — it’s a reflection of flawed timing, overlooked performances, and perhaps even politics within the voting ranks.
“I believe I deserved it,” he now says, years after retiring.
And judging by his unforgettable performances, his influence on the global stage, and the love he continues to receive, Jay-Jay Okocha might just be right.
