OKOCHA, Nduka Augustine

Date of Birth: Tuesday (Eke) 14"' August, 1973 State of Origin: Delta Local Government Area: Aniocha Village/Town: Ogwuashi Uku Augustine Nduka Okocha (Jay-Jay) was bom in Enugu in 1973. He is known today as one of the greatest African professional footballers and in fact one of the famous names in World Soccer of this century. He is equally a family name in the whole of UK as the Captain of one of the leading club sides in English Soccer- the Bolton Wanderers. Education • Nike Grammar School Nike Enugu Professional Football History and Career • Groomed in the Nike Grammar School Soccer and played for the School Team • Began professional football early in life and at 33 he is still powerful and energetic. • Joined Rangers International Enugu after leaving school • Signed up for a German Fourth Division Club Borussia Neunkirchen in 1991 then to Saarbrucken • Moved to Eintracht Frankfurt, another German First Division Club 1992 - there he made a successful career of his rising profile. Kalsruche Club and fans will not forget his brilliant performance as he dribbled through their defence and goal keeper lo score one of the most spectacular goals in the history of Bundelsliga in 1993 and was subsequently voted Goal of the Year. • Left Germany in 1996 and moved to Istalbul Club Fenerbache - a Turkey First Division Side for £1 million. • Winning the Turkish League with his Club and his dazzling performance in France 98 World Cup saw him through to Paris Saint German (A French Division One Club Side): PSG was forced to pay Fernabache an astonishing S36 million for his services in the summer of 1998. The highest paid African Footballer at that time. • He made a lot of exploits of a rising star till 2002 when he moved to his present Club Bolton also immediately after Korean/Japan 2002 World Cup. • While abroad, he consistently played for his country as a true patriot and never declined any invitation to come to play for his country whether a First Class Ticket was sent or not. • He maintained the Midfield in all the clubs he had played for. • He continues to pull stunts and does the wonders that have made most living legends of football like Pele of Brazil and Platini of France doff of their caps for him. Captainship of National Team-The Super Eagles • Austin Jay-Jay Okocha is not only a true nationalist and disciplined player both in the field and outside, he is also a true leader, an organised TEAM PLAYER who has natural talents of Leadership • Captained the National Team for over five years and was respected by both the Managers and the Team Mates. National Assignments • A Member of the National Team that won the Olympic Gold in Atlanta Georgia 1996- the first Gold Medal Nigeria has ever won in Olympic Games. Played for the National Team in the World Cup Tournaments USA 94. France 98 and Japan 2002. • Played for the National Team in African Cup of Nations. • Has had over 78 caps for Nigeria Okocha has decided to retire from the National Team after the African Cup of Nations 2006. In UK Soccer • Moved to Britain in 2002 and joined Bolton Wanderers, one of the Leading Premier Clubs in English Soccer. • Captain of Team 2002- 2005 • Saved Bolton Wanderers from near relegation in 2002 to among the first ten powerful and strongest teams in England. • Won the BBC Crown as the Best Footballer in 2004 and 2005 Awards and Honours Has won several awards and honours in Africa and Europe including Gold Medal 1994 African Cup of Nations Gold Medal 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games • Named one of the Players of the century by FIFA in 2004 • The BBC UK Award for the Best Player of the Year 2004 and 2005 • Award for the scorer of the 1000 goals in the history of Nations Cup by CAF in 2004 Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2004 African Cup of Nations • Been nominated twice for the Africa Footballer of the Year but not been successful lo win it due to some political gimmicks. • Honours by his kingsmen in Ogwuashi Uku. based on the glory his fame has brought to his hometown. Austin as an ICON • Austin is an ICON for youths to emulate • Obedient lo his parents at Enugu when growing up like the young teenagers of the Coal City • Obedient and respectful to teachers at Nike Grammar school who also encouraged him to lake to football after leaving School. • Was able to finish his school before embarking on Professional Soccer Has always respected his managers in the Super Eagles and other Foreign managers in Germany. UK. Turkey or any other country he has been • Although met success in his chosen career, he has not been arrogant or nasty to his elders and colleagues. Has absolute trust in God - as can be seen in one of his Vests he wears under his Jerseys, with bold Inscription, JESUS I LOVE YOU. Fame. Success and Money have not damaged Austin Jay Jay Okocha's Moral Values and Integrity and respect for others. • His patriotism and obedience to his Country has won him the love and admiration of his country such that the President of his country intervened personally to help him rescue his savings from a distressed bank in Nigeria which could have made Austin lose a life savings of millions of Naira. • He lives a clean life and not associated with immoral private life which success can bring to some undisciplined people. • He released a DVD in 2003 to teach youngsters the skills, which he had picked up. He can speak a number of different languages, and is into property and investments. • He was instrumental to the setting up of the Nigerian Football Academy in Ilorin. Kwara State, headed by the former Eagles Coach. Clemens Westerhof. as a way of preserving our football culture. Popularly called Jay-jay, a nickname initially borne by his elder brother. Emma Okocha. he is happily married to Nkechi and blessed with two children.