Okocha Wins Retro FIFA World Cup Award
Nigerian football icon Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has been posthumously recognised by FIFA with a retroactive World Cup “Player of the Match” award for his outstanding performance against Spain at the 1998 World Cup in France.
The special honour celebrates his influential display in Nigeria’s dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Spain in Nantes on June 13, 1998.
Although he did not score, Okocha’s dribbling, creativity, and control were central to dismantling a Spanish side featuring stars like Raúl and Fernando Hierro.
The recognition is part of a collaborative initiative by Michelob ULTRA and Copa90, which reviewed historic World Cup footage to highlight exceptional performances from tournaments before the award was officially introduced in 2002.
During the match, Nigeria recovered from a deficit to secure a famous win, with goals from Mutiu Adepoju, Garba Lawal, and Sunday Oliseh sealing one of the country’s most memorable World Cup results.
Okocha expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as a proud moment reflecting a golden era of Nigerian football.
The award further strengthens his legacy as one of Africa’s most gifted and entertaining midfielders, as global attention builds toward the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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