Jay-Jay Okocha formally retired from football this past week. 20,000 fans gathered in the torrential rain to watch his farewell match. Arguably the best player that Nigeria has ever fielded, he has already been missed since his retirement from international football in 2006. He has left a vacuum that is still unfilled, and coach Shaibu Amodu acknowledged the impact his absence has had on the national team: “Okocha knew how to talk to the ball and deliver it to the right person, something that most players of today are still learning the ropes.”

Okocha was regularly selected for the national team since 1993 until his international retirement, and was instrumental in many victories. His role as a play-maker cannot be over-emphasized, as that is an unteachable quality. He was a joy to watch on the field, constantly reminding us of why it is called “The Beautiful Game.”

As captain, Okocha was an inspiration to his team, frequently playing through injuries and always giing the game his all. His talent and professionalism paved the way for many players that followed, and he was a player that epitomized the idea that playing for your country is a honor and privilege, not a burden or obligation, like so many others treat it.

In the space of 15 years, Jay-Jay Okocha played his way into our minds and hearts, and he will be sorely missed. Please marvel with me at the awesomeness of our prolific #10:
Jay-Jay the Skill-man