Top 5 African footballers of the past 20 years (1998-2018)

#4 Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria)

Jay-Jay Okocha was an absolute joy to watch on the football pitch

Jay-Jay Okocha is the most skillful Nigerian footballer ever. In fact, Nigeria labeled him the Nigerian Player of the Year, for an incredible7 times (1995, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005). Other awards are the FIFA 100, 2003 and 2004, BBC African Player of the Year, November 2003 EPL Player of the Month, and 2005 Bolton Wanderers Player of the Year.

Okocha also starred on the 1998 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team, in the 1994 African Cup of Nations, 1995 Afro-Asian Cup of Nations, and 1996 Olympics to mention just a few of his many championship appearances.

The statistics do not really sum up his fantastic ability. It was a privilege to watch the Super Eagles star. At his peak, Okocha was one of the most entertaining footballers on the planet. His skills, amazing dribbles, and flair on the ball brings him in the same circle with Ronaldinho as two of the most entertaining footballers of their generation.

Although a midfielder, Okocha scored 85 goals in his career out of 454 appearances and 15 goals out of his 75 national team appearances. Okocha is known for his dribbling skills and spectacular goals. His vision and passing were a joy to watch.

Okocha never won the African Player of Year award, becoming arguably the best player never to win the award despite coming second twice in 1998. He did, however, win the inaugural BBC African Footballer of the Year and the successive one, becoming the only player to retain the award and win it more than once.

He won the Trophée des Champions and UEFA Intertoto Cup with Paris Saint Germain and also secured the Chancellor Cup and Atatürk Cup with Fenerbache alongside many other achievements.