Gbenga Elegbeleye: When a Call to Jay-Jay Made Me Big in Madrid

Madrid has always held a special charm for me. I’ve visited the city many times, and my go-to accommodation is the Eurostars Madrid. This time, I was in town for the World Football Summit 2025, and naturally, I checked into my usual spot.

The gala night preceding the summit was a glittering affair, filled with football royalty, investors, and industry insiders. The atmosphere was electric, with conversations flowing across tables. Once I was introduced as Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, the questions started pouring in. Everyone wanted to know more about Nigerian football.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

A gentleman from the J-League leaned in and asked, ‘Do you know Jay-Jay Okocha?’

I smiled. ‘Jay-Jay? He’s a close friend.’

Faces lit up around the table. I added playfully, ‘I’d call him now, but it’s past 11 p.m. in Nigeria.’

Before I could take another bite, a Turkish delegate urged, ‘Please, call him anyway!’

I tried to resist, ‘Let me finish my meal first’ but the pressure was real. So, to restore peace at the table, I picked up my phone and dialed Jay-Jay.

The moment his WhatsApp display picture popped up, the table erupted. And just like that, Jay-Jay answered.

‘Ol’ boy, some people no allow me rest here o. Dem say dem wan follow you talk.’

He laughed, and I passed the phone around. One by one, guests from nearby tables joined in, eager to greet the Nigerian legend. My phone became the star of the night.

Eventually, I had to reclaim it, pretending the battery was low, so Jay-Jay could finally get some sleep. But the ripple effect of that call was just beginning.

A Portuguese investor involved in ParaSoccer, clearly impressed by the impromptu chat with Jay-Jay, took it upon himself to upgrade my hotel room. Without asking, he moved me from a standard single to a super deluxe executive suite.

All because I’m friends with Jay-Jay Okocha.

So, thank you, Jay-Jay, for making me a temporary VIP in Madrid. But also, no thanks, because next time I check into Eurostars Madrid, they’ll probably look at me and say, ‘Sir, weren’t you in the super deluxe suite last time?’

And that, my people, is how being friends with Jay-Jay Okocha can bring you fame, fortune, and a little bit of unexpected trouble, in Europe.