“My uncle liked to add a bit of spice” – Everton star Iwobi discusses his relationship with Okocha

Austin Jay-Jay Okocha is widely recognised as one of the greatest talents Nigerian football has ever produced

The attacker for Everton, Alex Iwobi, recently discussed his relationship with Augustine Jay Jay Okocha, a former Super Eagles player.

The former Arsenal player claimed that he never trained with his uncle but did observe him when he played for Sam Allardyce’s, Bolton Wanderers, in England.

Okocha is a legend who captivated his audience with his dribbles and unique ways to amuse football fans.

He joined the English squad in 2002 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, and he scored seven goals, including the team’s goal of the season in a crucial league victory against West Ham United, to help the team avoid relegation.

That turned out to be a brilliant move, as Okocha went on to score 18 goals in 144 appearances for the Wanderers between 2002 and 2006, giving fans innumerable memories that endure to this day.

In an interview with the Athletic, Allardyce discussed the Nigerian’s desire to play in England.

“He wanted to broaden his experience in football — and in culture, if you like. He’d experienced the German way, then Turkey, then France, then he wanted to come to England.” he said.

He continued, agreeing with how fantastic of a signing Okocha was to him, saying: “It’s an absolute delight to talk about that man.” 

Iwobi, who looks up to his uncle, claimed that he was not able to train with him, but he was able to remember his training under the tutelage of Allardyce.

“I never really trained with him, but luckily I was able to watch his training sessions when he was at Bolton, when Sam Allardyce was still the manager. So I did have to learn some of the taboo languages from Sam Allardyce early”. he said on Kammy & Ben’s Proper Football Podcast.

Iwobi has found himself a role model who he always aspires to imitate in Okocha, a fast, talented, and skilled player who often played as an attacking midfielder.

The Everton player added: “And I’d see how, obviously, Sam Allardyce, he had his way of playing his own football, but my uncle liked to add a bit of spice, a bit of flair to it. If my uncle is able to do that, why can’t I do that? But nowadays, when we do speak, it’s more on the mental side, and to make sure I’m okay.”

‘Allardyce had his way of playing, but my uncle liked to add a bit of spice’ ⚽️🔥@alexiwobi tells @chris_kammy and @benshephard about watching his uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, play for @OfficialBWFC

Listen first to #ProperFootball on @BBCSounds 🎧👇#BWFC #BBCFootball

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) March 30, 2023

Iwobi, who has the most goal assists in Sean Dyche’s team, is presently playing a big part in the Toffees’ fight to stay in the English Premier League.