Super Eagles legend Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has revealed that he still pays his brother for his famous nickname which originated from one of his elder brothers during his childhood in Enugu.

Okocha explained that the name started in the neighbourhood where he grew up in Enugu, where several boys were called Austin, making it difficult for people to identify him.

According to the former Super Eagles captain, his friends began referring to him as “Austin Jay-Jay’s brother” because his elder brother was known as Jay-Jay.

Although Okocha did not specify which of his brothers he pays royalties to in the podcast, his immediate elder brother, Emmanuel was famously called ‘Jay-Jay’.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Okocha recalled how he and his brothers spent their childhood playing football on the streets.

“I think it started in the neighbourhood where we grew up; all of us were footballers because we had no other toys. We were just on the street playing, and my two brothers played as well,” he said.

“We had few Austins then, so to identify which Austin is which, they started calling me Austin Jay-Jay’s brother. So, from there, Austin Jay-Jay,” he added.

The nickname eventually followed Okocha into professional football and became one of the most recognisable names in African football.

The former attacking midfielder said he later adopted “Jay-Jay” officially because people abroad struggled to pronounce his birth name, Augustine.

“Some people were struggling to pronounce my name Augustine, so Jay-Jay was a lot easier, so I said I might as well adopt the name and I put it in my passport. Officially it’s mine”.

Despite officially adopting the nickname, Okocha jokingly revealed that his elder brother still deserves some compensation for giving him the name saying, “I still pay royalties to my brother. It’s like he brought the good omen.”

Okocha enjoyed a distinguished career in Europe, featuring for clubs including Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers.

Known for his exceptional dribbling, creativity and flair, he became one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers, with the nickname “Jay-Jay” becoming inseparable from his illustrious career.