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10 years after retirement, Rufai still salivates over Okocha’s ‘magic’

By Alex Monye
08 July 2016   |   1:53 am
Speaking during the launch of Okocha’s foundation in Lagos on Tuesday, Rufai confessed that the midfielder brought a playing style never seen in Nigerian football to the national team.
Austin Jay Jay Okocha

Austin Jay Jay Okocha

It is 10 years since former Super Eagles’ Captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha left the national team, but his former teammate, Peter Rufai, cannot stop reminiscing on the sumptuous skill the former Paris St. Germaine midfielder brought to the Nigerian side.

Rufai, a former Super Eagles’ goalkeeper and captain, was in the national team long before Okocha, but he still relishes the new vista the midfielder opened for the team.

Speaking during the launch of Okocha’s foundation in Lagos on Tuesday, Rufai confessed that the midfielder brought a playing style never seen in Nigerian football to the national team.

He said that Okocha had unique dribbling skills and tactical passes that disorganised goalkeepers and defenders, adding that the former Enugu Rangers star’s contribution to the success of the Super Eagles would remain evergreen in the hearts of many of his colleagues.

“Okocha was a skillful footballer, who brought a magical style of play to the Super Eagles. I would recall during our training sessions in the Eagles when paired against him, I always told my defenders, Eguaveon and others, to keep an eye on him because I knew he could spring some magic moves any time that could embarrass me and the defenders.

This deadly move was replicated in competitive matches. He was really a bundle of talent. I gave him a special nickname in the Eagles based on his unique skills. I pray the younger ones will grow up to emulate his virtues,” he said.

Reacting to the adulation from Rufai, Okocha said he owed his success to the support of his colleagues. He, however, dismissed the call for him to return to the game.

“Most of the games I play now are testimonial games… playing in the league is not for me because it requires more commitment and strength.

“I have my reasons for retiring before now, but there is nothing money cannot do. If any club can pay me well I can come out of my retirement (Laughed). For now, I want to concentrate on my foundation and administering football in Delta State.’’

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