AFCON 2025
Nigerian international and Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has once again paid tribute to his uncle, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, in a recently trending interview, naming the former Super Eagles captain as his greatest inspiration both on and off the football pitch.
Speaking on the “Is This Seat Taken?” podcast, Iwobi opened up about his career journey and the strong influence his uncle has had on his development. The 27-year-old footballer, who has played for clubs like Arsenal, Everton, and now Fulham, credited Okocha for shaping his footballing style and personal discipline.
During the podcast, Iwobi expressed deep admiration for Okocha, saying: “He is the one who really taught me how to express myself. Off the pitch, he is always advising me on how to be professional, how to manage my money, how to move, how to stay humble and grounded. So he will always be my idol.”
Iwobi emphasized that beyond football skills, his uncle instilled in him essential values that have helped him navigate the pressures of professional football.
“Growing up, I always watched him play, and I was lucky to have direct access to him. He always reminded me to stay grounded and not get carried away, especially with all the distractions that come with being a footballer.”
Okocha, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest-ever footballers, had an illustrious career playing for clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Fenerbahçe, and Bolton Wanderers. His dazzling dribbling skills and creativity on the pitch earned him legendary status, particularly in the English Premier League, where he became a cult hero at Bolton.
Iwobi, who was born in Lagos but moved to England at a young age, followed in his uncle’s footsteps by choosing football as a career. Coming through Arsenal’s youth ranks, he quickly established himself as a promising talent.
Over the years, he has remained a key player for the Super Eagles, making over 70 international appearances and representing Nigeria in multiple AFCON tournaments and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The video clip of Iwobi’s interview has gone viral on social media, with fans praising his humility and respect for his uncle. Many Nigerians fondly remember Okocha’s impact on football and appreciate Iwobi for keeping his legacy alive.
