‘ There is no one like Jay Jay ‘ – Aiyegbeni discourages Okocha-Iwobi comparison
Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has weighed in on the ongoing comparisons between Alex Iwobi and legendary midfielder Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, emphasizing that Iwobi should not be held to the same standards as Okocha.
Speaking in a video shared from TheYakPodcast, Aiyegbeni said the distinctiveness of each player’s style and skill set.
He highlighted Okocha’s unparalleled flair and intelligence on the pitch, contrasting it with Iwobi’s different attributes, such as his ability to cover ground and his work rate.
Aiyegbeni acknowledged Okocha as one of Nigeria’s greatest ever players, renowned for his mesmerizing skills and contributions to both the Super Eagles and clubs like PSG and Bolton. However, he asserted that Iwobi, while excelling in his own right, cannot be expected to replicate Okocha’s unique playing style.
“Alex Iwobi would never be like Jay Jay Okocha. They (fans) need to understand and stop comparing Alex Iwobi to Jay Jay,” Yakubu said in a video from the TheYakPodcast shared on X.
“This guy is different, Iwobi can run from London to Nigeria, Jay Jay cannot run but he has the skills and he’s very intelligent. He’s one of the best midfielders Nigeria has ever produced.”
“Jay Jay will say to me ‘Yak, forget about it, i will turn the ball like this, i will turn the ball like that, i dey see you, run,” he said further. “There is no one like Jay Jay. Nigeria needs to let go.”
Furthermore, Aiyegbeni suggested that dwelling on such comparisons detracts from more pressing issues in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to focus on reality rather than fixating on football-related debates.
Despite the comparisons, Iwobi has established himself as a key player for both Fulham and the Nigerian national team. His contributions, particularly during the Super Eagles’ impressive run to the final of the 34th AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, highlight his importance to the team and his growing stature in the footballing world.
