'I was lucky I left Nigeria early' - Okocha reveals crucial decision that shaped his career

Super Eagles legend Jay-Jay Okocha has lifted the lid on the important decision that shaped his career as a professional footballer.

Okocha, who was virtually unknown in the football circles during his spell with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt began to draw the attention of fans during the U-20 World Cup in 1993.

A year on, he went ahead to win the Nations Cup with the Super Eagles during the 1994 AFCON.

Highlighting some challenges that has bedeviled the local game in an exclusive interaction with Arise TV, the ex-attacking midfielder opined that the lack of facilities and better coaches makes it difficult for young players to excel.

In his case, the ex-Bolton midfielder disclosed that he was lucky to have left Nigeria at a young age.

“The difference is that in Europe you have everything you need to improve as a player and you’re playing under better coaches and a better environment. In Nigeria, we lack facilities and that disturbs one’s opportunity to perform and bring out the best in a young player,” he stated in an interview with ARISE TV.
“I was lucky that I left Nigeria early,” he added