FORMER Super Eagles captain Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha has received the special retroactive “Superior Player of the Match” award for his performance in Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Nigeria defeated the La Roja of Spain 3-2 in a classic group stage match at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. The game played on June 13, 1998, in Nantes, saw the Super Eagles overcome deficits twice to secure the historic upset over the European giants.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, the 52-year-old Okocha unveiled the silver trophy from a custom case.
“Hello, this is JJ Okocha. I’m about to unveil this special award being given to me by FIFA,” he said in the clip.
“And it was given to me for winning the Superior Man of the Match in a World Cup game, Nigeria versus Spain, 1998.
“Special thank you to Michelob ULTRA and Copa90 for this amazing award. I feel so honoured to receive it, thank you,” the Bolton Wanderers legend added.
Goals from Mutiu Adepoju and a long-range effort from Sunday Oliseh ensured Nigeria took all three points at stake at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
Coached by Bora Milutinović, the Super Eagles also defeated Bulgaria in the group stage to earn a place in the knockouts.
But Denmark mauled them 4-1 in the Round of 16 to send the West Africans back home.
The award is a reflection of the ex-midfielder’s contributions to football and a recognition as one of the continent’s most talented footballers as the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the US, Canada and Mexico.
At the 1994 World Cup, Okocha completed 15 dribbles in Nigeria’s loss to Italy in another Round of 16 tie.
That feat earned him the record for the most successful dribbles in a single FIFA World Cup match.
