Super Eagles legend Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has revealed why he stepped back from Nigerian football administration, admitting that his experience trying to contribute at Delta State left him questioning whether getting involved was worthwhile.
Okocha, one of the most celebrated Nigerian footballers of his generation, said he had considered taking a more active role in the running of the game after his playing career.
However, his brief experience with Delta State changed his perspective on how much influence he could realistically have within the system.
“I did try a little, with Delta State, but when I saw how things were run, I stepped back,” Okocha said in an interview on the ObiOne podcast.
His decision, he explained, was not because he had lost interest in Nigerian football.
Rather, the experience exposed him to the difficulties that can come with trying to contribute to the administration of the sport.
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Okocha admitted that the state of football administration can make former players hesitate before taking up official roles.
“It would be unfair to football lovers for someone like me to say I am not interested, but the mess is sometimes so bad that you ask yourself if it is even worth trying,” he said.
The former attacking midfielder therefore remains cautious about returning to an administrative role, having already experienced the challenges of trying to make a contribution.
His comments also underline the dilemma facing many former footballers who possess experience from playing at the highest level but may be reluctant to enter an administrative environment they believe could limit their ability to make meaningful changes.
Why former players cannot stay silent
Despite his reluctance to take up an official position, Okocha believes former players still have a responsibility to contribute to conversations about the future of Nigerian football.
He acknowledged that speaking publicly can come at a cost, particularly when criticism creates opposition from people within the game.
“Still, I believe history will not forgive us if we keep quiet, even though speaking out creates enemies,” he said.
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His own experience appears to have made him more cautious about seeking an administrative position, but it has not stopped him from using his voice to discuss the direction of Nigerian football.
