Former captain of the senior national team of Nigeria Austin Okocha says comparing Nigerian players to him hasn’t helped the development of several young players.
The tag “ Next Okocha” has been placed on several players like Mikel Obi, Rabiu Ibrahim, Kelechi Nwakali and a host of others but bar Mikel none has really gone on to be a key player for the Super Eagles.
Okocha made this remark in an interview with Brila FM where he said players should be allowed to be themselves and carve a name of their own instead of putting them under pressure by comparing them with him.
The former PSG and Bolton Wanderers star who retired from the Nigerian team in 2008 however admitted that the lack of playmaker in the Super Eagles team at the moment is hindering the team from playing to its full potential.
“We should support these players and let them flourish on their own instead of unfairly putting them under pressure by calling them the next this or that,” said Okocha.
“I think people need to stop the obsession with that new Jay-Jay label because it’s unfair on these young players.”
