Nigerian football legend, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has declared that the Super Eagles have never lacked talent, insisting that commitment, pride and responsibility to the nation remain the true foundations of success at international level.
Okocha made the remarks following Nigeria’s impressive 2–0 victory over Algeria at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, a match in which the Super Eagles delivered a composed, disciplined and authoritative performance to book their place in the semi-finals.
“Nigeria Has Never Lacked Talent” – Okocha
Reacting to the win, the former Super Eagles captain addressed long-standing debates surrounding the national team, stressing that ability has never been Nigeria’s weakness.
“I do not think Nigeria has ever lacked talent,” Okocha said.
According to the former Bolton Wanderers and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker, the real concern over the years has always been players’ level of dedication to the national cause.
“What has always been questioned is the level of commitment.”
Pride in the Green and White
Okocha that wearing the Super Eagles jersey should be driven by pride, passion and a deep sense of duty to the millions of Nigerians who live and breathe football.
“Wearing the national team jersey should come with pride,” he said.
Highlighting the emotional connection between football and the Nigerian people, Okocha added:
“Football in Nigeria is more than a religion. It is a way of life. The joy you give the people should be enough motivation to always give your best.”
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Commitment: The Key to Success in Africa
The Nigerian legend further underlined the importance of commitment in African football, noting that success on the continent often hinges as much on mentality and collective desire as it does on technical quality.
“Without commitment, you will never do well in the national team, especially in Africa,” he noted.
This comes at a time when the Super Eagles have been widely praised for their unity, work rate and tactical discipline at AFCON 2025, qualities that have complemented their attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Austin Jay Jay Okocha is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in African football history and one of the finest dribblers the game has ever seen.
A central figure in Nigeria’s golden generation, he won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic Olympic gold medal triumph at the Atlanta Games in 1996.
