How Jay-Jay Okocha Responded to Pitso-Nigeria Rumours

Jay-Jay Okocha Welcomes Pitso Mosimane’s Potential Coaching Role with the Super Eagles

Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha responded positively to rumors linking Pitso Mosimane to the role of coaching the Super Eagles. Mosimane, after his exit from Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates, has been reportedly considered for the position as the current Nigeria head coach, José Peseiro, faces pressure.

Okocha, a seven-time Nigeria Footballer of the Year, commended Mosimane’s coaching credentials, expressing, “Of course, I think Pitso is without any doubt one of the best African coaches. His track record is there for everyone to see.“ During an event in Johannesburg celebrating 60 years of the Bundesliga, Okocha voiced his support for Mosimane potentially leading the Super Eagles.

Mosimane, expressing his interest in coaching at the national team level, has received praise from Okocha, who believes Mosimane’s wealth of experience in African football would be a valuable addition to Nigerian football.

While acknowledging the rumors, Okocha emphasized that having a coach like Mosimane would be a welcomed addition, saying, “I don’t know how true that is [the rumors], but of course, a coach like that is most welcome.”

Reflecting on the current state of Nigerian football under Peseiro, Okocha expressed his view on the team’s performance, stating, “I don’t think we’re where we’re supposed to be.“ He highlighted the importance of coaching in uniting a team of talented individual players and emphasized the need for a collective team effort.

Despite challenges, Okocha expressed optimism about the talent in the Nigerian team, stating, “We’ve got very good young players now, but it’s all about getting them to play as a team and not as individual superstars. This is where the coaches will have to come in. But without any doubt, I think we have a good team.“

Okocha, currently involved with Bundesliga legends, represented the German league where he had his breakthrough at Eintracht Frankfurt in the early 1990s. He remains an influential figure in the football world, sharing insights and opinions on the sport’s development.

Below are his exact words:

“Of course, I think Pitso is without any doubt one of the best African coaches. His track record is there for everyone to be seen.”

“If we [Nigeria] can get a coach like that, he’d add great value to our football, a coach that has a lot of experience at home in Africa.

“I don’t know how true that is [the rumours], but of course a coach like that is most welcome.”

“I don’t think we’re where we supposed to be.”

“We’ve always believed that we’re one of the best in Africa, but of course recently we’ve not had the results to match that status.

“We might have lost a bit of that respect and fear that we’ve had during our era, but this is what we’re trying to bring back.

“We’ve got very good young players now, but it’s all about getting them to play as a team and not as individual superstars.

“This is where the coaches will have to come in place. But without any doubt I think we have a good team.”