By Dorcas Francis Koji
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has recalled a tense moment involving Nigerian football legends Taribo West and Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, revealing that he once had to restrain the fiery defender from confronting Okocha over his repeated loss of possession.
Okocha’s legendary dribbling ability has recently returned to the spotlight following his appearance on the Obi One Podcast, where the former midfielder explained that he always played to his strengths despite criticism that his style sometimes prioritised entertainment over efficiency.
Okocha insisted that winning was always his priority and that his flair was simply the best way he could contribute to the team.
“It was always about winning. Do not forget it is business, and you live off it,” Okocha said.
“The way I played may have made it look as if I was not playing to win, but I hated losing. I could not sleep if we lost. I just had to play to my strength because that was the value I could add to the team.”
The comments prompted reactions from football fans, while an old interview featuring Oliseh also resurfaced, offering an insight into how Okocha’s teammates dealt with his adventurous approach on the pitch.
Speaking on the Special Delivery Podcast, hosted by former Super Eagles goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro and Matthew Edafe, Oliseh recalled a particular match in which Okocha repeatedly attempted to dribble past opponents and lost possession.
According to Oliseh, the Nigerian supporters were enjoying Okocha’s display, but his teammates particularly the defenders were becoming increasingly frustrated by the risks being taken.
“With Jay Jay, most people would say he was a difficult player to play with, as teammates, as defensive players. But I personally had a way, an understanding with Jay Jay that made it easy for me to play with him,” Oliseh said.
He explained that teammates often relied on him to communicate with Okocha because the two midfielders had developed an understanding over the years.
“They knew I was the only one who could say to Jay Jay, ‘My man, release the ball,’ and Jay Jay would release.”
Oliseh then recounted the incident that nearly resulted in Taribo confronting the flamboyant midfielder.
“There was one particular game, he was doing it, and we lost the ball. And the ball was coming, and Taribo was going crazy about him.”
After Okocha lost possession again, Oliseh said he also became frustrated.
“I told him, ‘Hey, my man, I’m tired of running.’ And the next time, he went on dribbling and lost the ball.”
The situation escalated when the opposition nearly scored from another turnover.
“Taribo went crazy. He crossed ahead of me, and I had to grab him. Don’t joke with Taribo. He wants to win. He’s fanatical about winning,” Oliseh recalled.
Despite the occasional disagreements, Oliseh and Okocha shared a long history in Nigerian football and played together at various levels of the national team.
The pair were members of the Nigerian U-23 side that won the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and later featured together for the Super Eagles, including the team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
Okocha, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most gifted footballers, built his reputation around his exceptional dribbling, creativity and ability to entertain supporters while creating opportunities for his team.
The former midfielder won 73 caps for Nigeria between 1993 and 2006, scoring 14 goals, and represented the country at five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and three FIFA World Cups.
One of his most memorable performances came in the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations final against Cameroon in Lagos, when he scored a spectacular long-range goal as Nigeria drew 2-2 before eventually losing 4-3 on penalties.
Oliseh’s latest revelation provides another glimpse into the personalities behind one of the most celebrated generations in Nigerian football, where Okocha’s flair and Taribo’s fierce competitive spirit occasionally collided in their shared pursuit of victory.
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