Former Super Eagles midfielder Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha has revealed the surprising story behind the nickname that became synonymous with his illustrious football career.
According to the Nigerian football legend, the name “Jay-Jay” originally belonged to his older brother before eventually becoming his own identity.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Okocha explained that the nickname emerged during his childhood in the neighbourhood where he grew up. Football was a major part of his family life, with Okocha and his brothers regularly playing on the streets.
“I think it started in the neighbourhood where we grew up. All of us were footballers because we had no other toy,” Okocha recalled.
With several members of the family sharing the name Austin, the nickname was introduced as a way of distinguishing between them.
“My two brothers played as well. So we had a few Austins then. To identify which Austin is which, they started calling Austin Jay Jay’s brother, and from there Austin Jay Jay stuck.”
The nickname eventually followed Okocha beyond Nigeria and became particularly useful when he began travelling abroad. He revealed that Europeans often struggled to pronounce his birth name, Augustine, prompting him to make “Jay-Jay” his official name.
“When I travelled, some people were struggling to pronounce my name Augustine and Jay Jay was a lot easier. I said I might as well adopt the name and I put it in my passport and it’s officially mine.”
Okocha, known for his dazzling skills, creativity and flair on the pitch, has since become one of the most recognisable footballers to carry the name.
However, despite officially claiming the nickname, the former midfielder joked that he still has to compensate his brothers for taking what he described as his lucky name.
“I’m still paying royalties for my name to my brothers,” he added.
