1 July 2008
Lagos — In Warri last week, an event which should herald better recognition for the nation's retiring sports stars took place. It was the testimonial for former Super Eagles Captain, Austin JayJay Okocha. The star-studded game which attracted well over 20,000 fans, despite torrential rainfall, featured the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, El-Hadji Diouf, Benjani Mwaruwari, Taribo West, Dan Amokachi, John Fashanu, Lucas Radebe, Victor Ikpeba and Abduoulaye Traore.
All over the world, particularly in Europe, South America and the United States, testimonial games are usually granted deserving sportsmen and women upon reaching 10 years of service with club or country, or as they approach retirement. These matches are usually non-competitive and feature other greats in the sport. Proceeds from such games are donated to charities. Ex-world star players who have had testimonials put on in their honour include Alan Shearer, Dennis Berkgamp, Roy Keane, George Weah and lately, Romario.
Unfortunately, we are yet to appreciate the need for testimonials for our sportsmen and women who have acquitted themselves credibly in the service of fatherland, and are bowing out.
Perhaps, with the possible exception of another former Super Eagles Captain, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, who had a testimonial arranged for him in Lagos in 2000, the vast majority of Nigerian stars of yesteryears, literally went into retirement unnoticed and unappreciated, as it were. It is mind-boggling that Rashidi Yekini, Dan Amokachi, Samson Siasia, Peter Rufai, Ike Shorunmu, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Okala, Segun Odegbami, Christian Chukwu, Atanda Musa, Nduka Odizor and Obisia Nwakpa, among others, were denied a send-off.
But for the Delta State government, Okocha would have gone into retirement unsung. We commend the state government for its foresight and organizational savvy in putting together a testimonial that has not only boosted its profile, but that of the country as a whole. Equally worthy of commendation is the renaming of the Ogwashi-Uku Township Stadium after Okocha.
While some are wont to argue that Delta State was only honouring one of its illustrious sons, the fact is, the former Bolton Captain remains one of Nigeria's and Africa's most celebrated players and is, in every sense, deserving of such an honour.
However, while not taking anything away from the exemplary gesture of the Delta State government which footed the bills of the testimonial, it is our considered opinion that given Okocha's international profile, his pulling-out ought to have taken on a national significance. The array of foreign celebrities who graced the testimonial at the new-look Warri Township Stadium attests to this fact. One-time Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain Radebe, had to leave his sick wife behind in South Africa to honour Okocha, who he described as 'a recognized maestro in African football.'
For a player who featured prominently in what has been christened the 'Golden Era of Nigeria football,' the Abuja National Stadium ought to have been the appropriate venue for a testimonial in honour of this genius of a player. Indeed, the history of the round-leather game in Nigeria would be incomplete without a mention of Okocha.
The action of Delta State should be food for thought for the Federal Government. Over the years, we have had winning teams and individuals rewarded by way of cash, cars, houses and national honours. But this does not in any way diminish the need for testimonials, as their benefits are far-reaching. Besides leaving a lasting impression on the psyche of the populace, up and coming sportsmen and women would also look forward to the day they too would be so honoured. Naturally, this would provide an added impetus for them to excel in the their various specialties, and honourably too.
However, we advise that testimonials should not be restricted to footballers as Nigeria is replete with sportsmen and women who made their mark in other sports. Foremost among these are athletic greats Chidi Imoh, Innocent Egbunike, Mary Onyali, Yusuf Ali, Chioma Ajunwa, Falilat Ogunkoya, Sunday Bada, Ajayi Agbebaku and the Ezinwa brothers, Davidson and Osmond. Not to be overlooked are former African and Commonwealth table tennis champion, Atanda Musa; Nduka 'The Duke' Odizor (tennis); Samson Egbeyemi (badminton) as well as Davidson Andeh, Peter Konyegwachie, Eddie 'Terror' Ndukwu and Obisia Nwakpa (boxing).
For Okocha who was retiring after 18 years in football, it was only fitting that he scored the winning goal for the Super Eagles X1 in the 2-1 win over a World X1. No doubt, he will be missed. Okocha brought joy to millions of homes the world over with his sublime skills and dazzling displays, and would always remain a reference point for lovers of attractive football.
Easily one of the most skilful players in the world at his prime, Okocha made his Super Eagles debut in May 1993 in a World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Lagos. He remained a key member of the national team until he called it quits after the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. He was Captain of the Eagles between 2002 and 2006, and won 75 caps (14 goals).
Like most sports celebrities, Okocha had a humble beginning. From Rangers International, he went on to star for a host of top-flight European clubs including Fenerbache, PSG and Bolton Wanderers. But as the player himself would readily admit, one of the high points of his career was the magnificent goal he scored against Karlsruhe while playing for Eintract Frankfurt. Okocha made a mess of the entire defence before putting the ball beyond Oliver Kahn. The feat brought Jay Jay instant recognition across the world. That goal eventually turned out to be the 1993 Goal of the Year.
Sadly, for a world class player whose trophy cabinet includes a 1994 Nations Cup winner's medal and an Olympic gold, it remains a thing of regret that Okocha never emerged African Footballer of the Year. His apparent lack of commitment to the Eagles which eventually cost Nigeria a place at Germany 2006 World Cup, did not go down well with many.
However, he remains dear to the hearts of many in Nigeria and across the world, and as the 34 year-old icon moves on to another phase of life, we wish him success in all his endeavours.
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