Aston Villa
Winger Leon Bailey has praised former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha for his boldness in attempting daring tricks during games, commending the Nigerian icon’s fearless attitude on the field.
PUNCH Sports Extra
reports.
“He possesses considerable self-assurance to execute such a skill; few players can muster the same level of confidence during an actual match,” Bailey commented in a video shared by the Premier League on social media following his viewing of Okocha’s renowned rainbow flick against Arsenal.
The Jamaican international acknowledged he might contemplate trying comparable feats, albeit with a condition attached.
“I believe I could attempt it during a game, but only one where we’re already ahead,” Bailey commented.
Notably, Okocha’s famous rainbow kick over Arsenal’s Ray Parlour occurred during a Premier League clash between Bolton and Arsenal in 2003 when the score was level at 2-2. This moment underscored the Nigerian midfielder’s penchant for displaying his flair irrespective of the game scenario.
This instance went down as one of the most remarkable showcases of talent in Premier League annals. Instead of merely maintaining possession to kill time, Okocha chose an extravagant move by delicately lofting the ball over Parlour’s head close to the corner flag. This left the Arsenal midfielder feeling rather foolish.
Discussing the technique years afterward, Okocha disclosed that it was an ability he had honed over time.
“I mean, this was something I refined over time. It’s all about executing it at the perfect moment,” Okocha explained to Ally McCoist and Gabriel Agbonlahor during their Talksport show.
You know our aim was to secure a good outcome in the match. We ended up with a draw, which was a significant achievement for us. In that small section of the field, that’s how things stood from my perspective.
The draw turned out to be pivotal for Bolton, enabling them to escape relegation that season. Meanwhile, Arsenal concluded the campaign as undefeated champions, providing additional background to Okocha’s boldness in attempting such an intricate move under intense pressure.
The legendary status of this Nigerian player stems from his remarkable performances. Following his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Bolton in 2002, he transformed into a beloved figure among fans at the Reebok Stadium. He served as captain and played a crucial role in guiding the team to the League Cup final in 2004.
Renowned for his knack for producing surprising plays, Okocha received two titles of BBC African Footballer of the Year. FIFA once commented on his exceptional talent by stating, “He was so impressive that they called him twice,” alluding to his widely recognized nickname, “Jay-Jay.”
Bailey’s remarks underscore the enduring impact of Okocha’s style and ingenuity, traits that still motivate a fresh wave of athletes many years following the Nigerian legend’s exit from professional soccer.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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