Okocha claims football politics cost him African Player of the Year

Jay-Jay Okocha believes football politics prevented him from winning the African Player of the Year award during his playing career. The former Nigeria captain finished among the top three on several occasions but never collected the main individual prize.

Okocha rejected the idea that his failure to play for one of Europe’s biggest clubs was the decisive factor. Discussing the issue on the ObiOne podcast, he said the voting environment during his era was shaped by influences beyond performances and club status.

The former Super Eagles midfielder pointed to the fact that success with a leading European team did not always guarantee the award. In his view, even players who won major trophies at top clubs could still miss out, making the criteria for the honour difficult to understand.

Okocha also used his record at the BBC African Footballer of the Year awards to support his argument. He won that prize in consecutive years, yet those victories did not lead to success in the African Player of the Year vote.

The Nigerian remains regarded as one of the most gifted players of his generation, particularly for his dribbling and creativity. However, his collection of individual honours did not match the reputation he built during his career, with the African Player of the Year award remaining absent from his achievements.

Despite that omission, Okocha has come to accept that the honour may not have been destined for him. His comments frame the missed award as a product of the conditions surrounding the voting process, rather than proof that he lacked the ability to win it.