Taribo West: Magical Austin Okocha a better player than Zinedine Zidane

Retired Super Eagles defender and Olympics gold medal winner Taribo West has described his former teammate Austin Okocha as a better player than Zinedine Zidane.

Despite winning three world best title, leading France to a world cup title and dominating football for almost a decode before his unceremonious retirement in 2006, Taribo West insists his compatriot Jay Jay Okocha was a better midfielder.

Austin Okocha may not have all the accolades, titles and privileges of playing at the biggest clubs or player with the biggest stars, he, however was unplayable on his days.

Taribo told brila.net that in his playing career, only three players fascinated him and the three players remain, Ronaldo da Lima of Brazil, George Weah of Liberia and Nigeria’s jay-Jay Okocha.

Taribo West who played against Zinedine Zidane during his formative years in France and Italy said his compatriot was quicker and natural.

“Jay Jay was highly underestimated and I don’t think he got as much accolades as he deserves. We dont value our own at all, this is a case of a prophet has no honour in his own country.

“In fact in my time of active football nobody came close to Ronaldo de lima, George Weah and Jay Jay Okocha.

“He was magical when he played and it was mesmerising what he could do with the football.

“People talk about good Zidane was in his days as a player but Jay Jay was a much better player and a natural.”

Taribo West was capped 42 by Nigeria between 1994 and 2005, where he played at the 1998 and 2002 world cup tournaments.