latest
Brazilian Legend Zico Hails Jay-Jay Okocha as One of Africa’s Greatest Footballers
Brazilian football legend Zico has praised Nigerian icon Jay-Jay Okocha, describing him as one of the greatest players to come out of Africa.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In an interview published Wednesday, Zico said, “I like Okocha — one of Africa’s greatest players,” placing the former Super Eagles captain among the continent’s all-time football greats. The former Brazil international, widely known as “the White Pelé,” also mentioned other African stars, including Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and George Weah, as part of his top four list.
Zico’s comments have drawn attention across the football world, highlighting the lasting impact Okocha’s career has had nearly two decades after his retirement.
Okocha, whose full name is Augustine Azuka Okocha, is celebrated for his flair, creativity, and ball control. The former Nigerian international made his mark at clubs such as Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, Paris Saint-Germain in France, and Bolton Wanderers in England, where his dazzling footwork made him a fan favorite.
He played 73 times for Nigeria, scoring 14 goals, and helped the Super Eagles win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. He was also a key member of the team that won Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games — one of the proudest moments in Nigerian football history.
Okocha’s influence extended beyond trophies. Known for his dribbling and showmanship, he inspired a generation of African players and became a global ambassador for African football. His style earned admiration from legends and fans alike.
Zico, who starred for Brazil in the 1970s and 1980s, is regarded as one of the most skillful attacking midfielders in history. His recognition of Okocha carries weight, given his own reputation as a technical genius of the game.
Football analysts say Zico’s comments reflect how Okocha’s talent transcended borders and eras. “When someone like Zico singles out Okocha, it reminds the world that African footballers have produced artistry and intelligence equal to any continent,” said Nigerian sports journalist Femi Adesina.
Fans reacted quickly on social media, celebrating the tribute. Many shared highlight reels of Okocha’s most memorable goals and skills, while others called for his induction into more international football halls of fame.
Okocha, now 52, has remained active in football administration and media. He previously served as chairman of the Delta State Football Association and continues to promote youth sports development across Nigeria. In recent interviews, Okocha has said his proudest career moment was helping Nigeria win Olympic gold and his lowest was missing out on a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal with the Super Eagles.
The renewed praise from Zico has revived debates about Africa’s greatest-ever footballers. Alongside Okocha, players such as George Weah, the only African to win the Ballon d’Or; Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, a four-time African Player of the Year; and Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba, a Champions League winner with Chelsea, are often included in discussions.
For many Nigerians, Zico’s words validate what they have long believed — that Okocha’s talent was world-class. “He played football the way it should be enjoyed — with joy, skill, and creativity,” said Lagos fan Kunle Alabi. “Hearing Zico say that just confirms it.”
As global football continues to honor past legends, Okocha’s name is once again being celebrated, not only for his achievements but for the excitement he brought to every pitch he played on.
The State Wing Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Abuja to commence an indefinite strike from Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The union also directed parents and guardians to keep their children at home until further notice, citing unresolved welfare concerns and what it described as government inaction.
This followed a communiqué issued after an emergency SWEC meeting held in Gwagwalada, Abuja, over the weekend and signed by the state leadership of the union.
Teachers were instructed to fully comply with the strike directive and await further instructions from the union leadership, as the industrial action remains in force until their demands are addressed.
According to the communiqué, the strike became necessary after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, which elapsed without a satisfactory response.
The union recalled that although previous interventions led to the suspension of an earlier strike, several key issues affecting teachers’ welfare were still unresolved.
It also expressed concern that a committee set up to address outstanding entitlements submitted its report in August 2025, but the findings have not been made public or implemented.
While acknowledging the payment of the new minimum wage and some salary arrears, the union insisted that major concerns remain unattended.
The NUT further demanded reforms in promotion processes and a review of the 2024 promotion exercise.
After what it described as unsuccessful engagements and expired deadlines, the union declared that all teachers in the FCT will remain on strike indefinitely until their demands are met.
Nigerian actor and filmmaker Emmanuel Ikubese has spoken about the breakdown of his marriage to celebrity makeup artist Anita Adetoye.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The couple tied the knot in March 2020 in a widely publicised wedding that attracted attention nationwide. However, by February 2021, speculation about a split began after Ikubese deleted their wedding photos from Instagram and both parties unfollowed each other on social media.
Speaking on the Archives of Becoming Podcast, Ikubese described the end of the marriage as a painful personal setback. He said it made him deeply question himself, especially as someone who had always hoped for a stable family life.
According to him, achieving marriage had felt like a major life goal, and its collapse left him feeling as though he had failed. He added that the public nature of their wedding made the experience even more difficult, leaving him exposed and emotionally shaken.
He explained that the experience pushed him into deep reflection about his identity and life direction, describing it as a turning point that forced him to re-evaluate himself. He also noted that he could only speak from his own experience and not on behalf of his ex-wife.
Ikubese further revealed that the breakup brought him significant emotional pain and altered how he viewed life, eventually drawing him closer to his faith as he searched for answers.
“It was an identity thing. If you don’t find your identity, you always find yourself in moments like this… God needed a reset, and that was the reset for me,” he said.
“I had always desired a family… The wedding I had was very high-profile… and I just felt like I’d failed.
“It changed my life… it felt like I had to go back to God and ask, ‘Where did I miss this?’
“I was always a lost Emmanuel… fame just felt good… I didn’t even understand why I was in the industry… 2020 was just a crash.”
Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has explained why he left the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his experience in the party became unbearable and forced him to move on.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He made this known during an interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Akinbaloye, where he reflected on his time in the ruling party and his decision to exit.
Melaye said the political environment he found himself in at the time no longer aligned with his values, adding that he had to step away to reassess his direction in politics.
He compared the decision to a major personal turning point, stressing that it was not made hastily but after deep reflection on his future.
According to him, leaving the party was necessary for his personal and political survival as the situation had become difficult to manage.
He said the experience marked a significant change in his political journey, prompting him to seek a new path that better suited his beliefs and ambitions.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp