Bailey Seeks to Follow in Okocha's Footsteps
Aston Villa Winger Leon Bailey has praised former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha for his boldness in attempting spectacular tricks during games, commending the Nigerian icon's fearless attitude on the field. PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Bailey remarked in a video shared by the Premier League on social media after reviewing Okocha’s renowned rainbow flick against Arsenal, “He possesses significant self-assurance to execute such a skill; few players exhibit this level of confidence during a match.”
The Jamaican international acknowledged that he might contemplate trying comparable abilities yet with an exception.
"I believe I could attempt it during a game, but only if we're already ahead," Bailey stated.
Notably, Okocha's famous rainbow kick over Arsenal's Ray Parlour occurred during a Premier League match between Bolton and Arsenal in 2003 when the score was level at 2-2. This moment underscored the Nigerian midfielder's tendency to display his flair irrespective of the game's circumstances.
This instance went down as one of the most remarkable showcases of talent in Premier League annals, with Okocha choosing not just to maintain possession and let time elapse but rather executing an outrageous scissor kick over Parlour’s head close to the corner flag. This move left the Arsenal midfielder feeling humiliated.
When discussing this ability years afterward, Okocha disclosed that he had honed it gradually over time.
"I mean, this was something I mastered. It’s all about executing it at the perfect time," Okocha explained to Ally McCoist and Gabriel Agbonlahor during their Talksport show.
You know our aim was to secure a good outcome in the match. We ended up with a draw, which turned out to be a significant result for us. In that small section of the field, that's how things stood from my perspective.
The draw turned out to be pivotal for Bolton, enabling them to escape relegation that season. Meanwhile, Arsenal concluded their campaign undefeated and clinched the championship title, which underscores Okocha’s boldness in attempting such a sophisticated move under intense pressure.
The legendary status of this Nigerian player stems from his numerous spectacular performances. Upon transferring to Bolton from Paris Saint-Germain in 2002, he emerged as a beloved figure among fans at the Reebok Stadium. He went on to serve as captain and led the team to the League Cup final in 2004.
Renowned for delivering surprising performances, Okocha earned the title of BBC African Footballer of the Year two times. According to FIFA, he was so exceptional that "they called him by his nickname twice," referring to his well-known moniker "Jay-Jay."
Bailey’s remarks underscore the enduring impact of Okocha’s style and innovation, traits that keep inspiring subsequent generations of athletes well past the Nigerian legend’s exit from professional soccer.
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