Jay Jay Okocha’s “Casualties”

By IKENWA NNABUOGOR

Not until Augustine “Jay Jay” Okocha took his trade to Germany than he was heralded as one of the best things to happen to Nigerian football, nay Africa as the former Fenerbache midfielder bestrode the beautiful game as a Colossus before signing out as a Four-Star General, leaving an everlasting impression in the minds of football watchers.

Jay Jay Okocha had shown flashes of brilliance back home at Rangers but hadn’t done enough to attract the teeming watching eyes that he was a top star in the making. Germany was his turning point and the rest is history.

His association with the national team was imminent as he showed within a short period of time in Germany the stuff he was made, as he took a short cut with the Flying Eagles before flying big time on the wings of Super Eagles.

Okocha wasn’t just an automatic Eagle who grabbed a quick shirt on arrival, platoon commander Friday Ekpo was there and in charge, doing his thing but the youngster was waiting on the wings to kneel a death to his first “casualty” as he (Okocha) sojourned with his national team.

Ekpo was singing no swansong for Coach Clemens Westerhof’s Eagles before his sudden “death” and dethronement, the former Abiola Babes midfield general had done enough to make Nigerians forget retired captain Henry Nwosu and was doing his duties with consummate relish until his forced early shower.

Okocha’s heroics at Mauritius’93 African Youth Championship caught Westerhof’s eye amidst massive public opinion demanding his immediate inclusion and the then young Eintranct Frankfurt midfielder was quickly blooded in as Eagles’ navigated some heavy US’94 World Cup qualifier storms to berth in Uncle Sam’s country for their first ever FIFA World Cup appearance

The former Bolton Wanderers’ captain needed a second bite of the Eagles’ cherry to sign Ekpo’s final “death warrant” curling an unstoppable free kick goal into the net of Algeria in the US’94 qualifiers in the famous 4-1 win to help wing his side nearer USA.

Westerhof continued to fall in love with his new bride in each passing game as Okocha grew from strength to strength, grabbing the appreciate home fans as extra luggages and confirming his central midfield permanent property, and recommending no refresher course for good old Ekpo.

Westerhof became blind to Ekpo, not needing his old wine any longer, preferring a fresh brand new wine and completely shutting him out of reckoning not even with the benefit of the doubt of the soft landing option of dragging him down the pecking order, Ekpo sadly became a spent force. Okocha retired hardworking Ekpo and unceremoniously ended his five-year sojourn after 19 caps and five goals to show for his national sweat.

Ekpo officially became Okocha’s first Super Eagles’ casualty as the diminutive midfielder continued to enjoy what remained of his chequered national team career at club level before he called time in the mid-2000.

Wilson Oruma’s only crime was choosing to emerge during Okocha’s era and the presence of the latter brutally limited Oruma’s chances with the national team.

Equally talented as Okocha, Oruma’s transition to the Super Eagles from the youth teams was just a matter of time as the former Japan’93 U-17 World Cup winning team captain beamed on the neonlights, cart walking in the fashion haven France to force Bonfrere Jo to extend a hand despite the presence of the former Hull City midfielder.

Oruma wasn’t done with youth football yet; he would team up with Okocha to make history at Atlanta’96 Olympics to become the first African team to win the football event Olympics gold.

Both players were important to coach Bonfrere’s team as they played huge roles to bring the honours to Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

There was no doubting who the show stealer was at the senior national team level as Okocha continued to thrill with his all-round performances as Oruma was reduced to bit-part roles.

While Ekpo played same role as his “killer” in the central midfield, versatile Oruma had option of hanging on the attacking midfield for a quick escape and avoiding a clash with his “master” in his traditional playmaking role as his Eagles’ clock wound down.

Like Ekpo, Oruma was only good enough for paltry 19 appearances for his country despite his immense talent which can be compared to any player in the world.

Jay Jay Okocha marshaled Eagles’ midfield for 73 times before he hung his boots in 2006.

He took his Army to the 4th World War without being dethroned and till date, no player has come nigh for a worthy replacement.

Okocha will be remembered for his mastery of his role in the beautiful game forever.