Jay Jay Okocha clarifies his stance on preferring to watch EPL over NPFL

Nigerian legendary midfielder Austin Jay Jay Okocha has clarified his stance on his preference to watch the English Premier League (EPL) over the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

The former Bolton Wanderers star was criticised heavily a few months ago when he made the statement, with Nigerian fans claiming he was wrong to say such since he is a product of the local league.

The former Hull City midfielder played in the Nigerian League during his heyday, but didn't stay long in the local league before moving to Europe.

In a recent interview with Brila FM, the former PSG midfielder said it wouldn't be fair to cover up or lie to the people about the Nigerian league.

"At this stage in my life, I think it will be unfair to lie to our people," he said.

"For me to be covering up, if we are talking about getting better, if we are talking about improving, if we are talking about meeting our expectations."

Okocha further explained why he made the statement earlier, and why it hurts so much that the local league is not improving.

"I think it is high time we start telling each other the truth," he added.

"I said that I would prefer to watch the [English] Premier League on television than watching our Nigerian Professional Football League because we are not where we are supposed to be because it hurts to see that the efforts we all put in, that nothing has been built on it."