Okocha Reveals How ‘Jay-Jay’ Became Part of His Name

Super Eagles legend Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has revealed how the famous nickname became part of his official name.

Speaking on the Obi On Podcast, Okocha said the name originated from his childhood neighbourhood, where he and his brothers spent most of their time playing football on the streets.

‘I had two brothers playing as well. We had two Austins, and to identify which Austin was which, they started calling me Austin, Jay-Jay’s brother,’ Okocha explained.

He added that the nickname became particularly useful when he travelled abroad, as some people struggled to pronounce his given name, Augustine.

‘When I travelled, some people were struggling to call my name Augustine. Jay-Jay was a lot easier, so I said I might as well adopt the name and I put it in my passport. Officially, it is mine, my name,’ he said.