Super Eagles legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha has received another major recognition from FIFA after being presented with a special Man of the Match award for his performance in Nigeria’s memorable victory over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
The award comes shortly after world football’s governing body officially confirmed Okocha as the holder of the record for the most successful dribbles in a single World Cup match, further cementing his status as one of the most gifted players to grace the tournament.
In a video shared on social media, the former Nigeria captain unveiled the award and expressed his appreciation for the recognition, which arrives nearly three decades after the match itself.
“Hello, this is JJ Okocha. I’m about to unveil this special award being given to me by FIFA,” Okocha said.
“And it was given to me for winning the Superior Man of the Match in a World Cup game, Nigeria versus Spain 1998.
“So a special thank you to Mikel Lowe and Copa90 for this amazing award. I feel so honoured to receive it. Thank you.”
Super Eagles legend Austin Okocha has received a FIFA World Cup Man of the Match award for Nigeria’s famous 1998 victory over Spain, days after FIFA recognised his historic dribbling record.
The award relates to one of the most famous matches in Nigerian football history. At the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, the Super Eagles stunned Spain 3-2 in their opening group game, producing one of the greatest results ever achieved by an African nation at the tournament.
Okocha was at the heart of Nigeria’s performance that day, tormenting the Spanish defence with his trademark skill, creativity and confidence as the Super Eagles overturned a deficit to claim a historic victory.
The latest recognition adds to what has already been a significant period of acknowledgment for the former midfielder. FIFA recently highlighted Okocha’s extraordinary dribbling display against Italy during the Round of 16 of the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where he completed 15 successful dribbles, the highest number ever recorded by a player in a single World Cup match.
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That record remains unmatched more than three decades later, with Brazil’s Jairzinho and England’s Paul Gascoigne next on the list with 13 successful dribbles in a match.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest entertainers with the ball, Okocha represented Nigeria at three FIFA World Cups and became renowned for a style of play of flair and technical brilliance.
