JJ Okocha, the Irreplaceable African Enigma by Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello

In the Eastern Part of Nigeria, Oracle is the word used for a specially made god, worshipped and consulted because of its magical, special and rare power possession, a 'dibia' (local priest) consults the Oracle, Okocha is the Soccer Oracle of our time.

Originally born as Augustine Azuka "Jay-Jay" Okocha, and known for his stepovers, skills, and techniques,he was a scarce Soccer Specie, there is no other with comparable skill and the 'wow' factor, skillful entertaining and delightful footballer, yet to be replaced in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, even Globally there is no other as good as JJ Okocha.

Unknown to many, the legend who started his football career on the streets of Enugu in Nigeria has a dual citizenship of Nigeria and Turkey with Muhammet Yavuz as his Turkish name which he grabbed while playing with Fenerbahce.

Presently, many Nigerian players are struggling to play football because of the lack of raw talent, no Nigerian player is popular for exceptional skills as Okocha's.

As history has it in Africa, Okocha is still the greatest of this Generation with Roger Milla coming close as an attacker, and Abedi Pele, Samuel Etoo and Kanu Nwankwo all of whom are retired except Etoo.

"Okocha was the only player that I missed and regretted, he was such a great player" were the words of Arsene Wenger to the coaches that traveled recently to England for a capacity training programme, Platini once said "if Okocha continues like this he will rule the world" he does rule the world during his own time. He was a Global delight but end his career because of an injury.

The Brazilian midfielder, Ronaldinho was the only player that came close to Okocha's rare God given talent, and he once said, "I understudy Okocha at PSG and whatever he does I go on to practise it to master his skills".

Okocha is a Legend.

Nigeria has, however, produced several other midfielders, unfortunately no one has been able to fill his gaps,and not so sure we will be seeing another Okocha in 50years to come as he appears irreplaceable

Critically, we have not seen a single trace of Okocha skills in any professional and Grassroot football, he was truly a great player unlike many others lauded with tag*

I think Football Academies, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions should make Okocha a course of study in physical and health education, and why not?

I recalled during his days in Bundesliga, he dribbled Oliver Kahn, a goalkeeper in the penalty box to the extent that he made him dive and turned him into a nervous wreck, he was a football entertainer. He was a football Artist, who played Artistry football.

A master dribbler, sleek on the ball he obviously derives joy in, He was a footballer and entertainer, always smiling even if he missed out on a goal, the excitement of playing is always visible on his face. Okocha was good.

Hopefully, the god of soccer will produce another Okocha but it will take decades and maybe a Generation.

Who will fill in the vacuum left by JJ Okocha?