Nigeria’s midfield maestro Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha recounts the highs and lows of his time in Paris, from memorable debuts and earning captaincy to mentoring Ronaldinho and leaving the club trophyless in a PSG DOCUMENTARY monitored by OLAMIDE ABE
What did it mean to you to wear the PSG jersey and represent the club?
My job was to make sure I brought joy to the jersey, and I believe I did that. The fans and the club recognised it as well. From my heart, I always gave everything I had for the team. Maybe that is why I developed such a special relationship with the supporters and with the club. When people give you love like that, you feel a responsibility to give even more in return.
We knew a star was arriving, and from the first training sessions, it was clear you were a phenomenon. What was that debut like for you, the moment that sent chills through the stadium?
It was a very special moment for me because I was so eager to impress and also to settle into my new home. When you arrive at a big club like this, you know the expectations are high, and you want to show immediately that you belong. That moment showed how ambitious I was and how desperate I was to do well for the club. It was a massive introduction for me, and I wanted to deliver something memorable right from the start.
When people think of Jay-Jay at the club, they often remember that goal. But you did so many things afterwards. Your aura was at its peak when you arrived because it was just after the 1998 World Cup, where you had shone with Nigeria, especially here at the Parc des Princes.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere here. Even though I was disappointed with the way we exited the tournament, the experience of playing at the stadium during the World Cup was unforgettable. The atmosphere, the energy of the fans, and the passion around football here left a big impression on me. When the opportunity came to join the club, it played a role in my decision because I already had a connection with the place.
You were radiant, and everyone appreciated you. It almost felt like there was nobody who did not like you. Why do you think that was?
I think it had a lot to do with my character and the way I carried myself both on and off the pitch. I always tried to respect everyone, from my teammates to the fans and the people working at the club. On the pitch, I gave everything I had because I wanted us to win something together. I believe supporters can feel when a player is sincere and committed, and that connection made the relationship even stronger.
You were appreciated so much that you wore the captain’s armband barely a year after your arrival. What does that mean to you?
For me, this is the best club in France without any doubt, and one of the biggest clubs in the world. To be given that kind of responsibility meant a lot to me. It showed that the club trusted me, and it also showed that the fans and the management believed in my leadership. I never expected that, at such an early stage after arriving, they would trust me enough to captain the team. It made me feel proud and also motivated me to give even more to the club.
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Nigeria’s midfield maestro Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha recounts the highs and lows of his time in Paris, from memorable debuts and earning captaincy to mentoring Ronaldinho and leaving the club trophyless in a PSG DOCUMENTARY monitored by OLAMIDE ABE Nigeria’s midfield maestro Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha recounts the highs and lows of his time in Paris, from memorable debuts and...
Key takeaways
- Nigeria’s midfield maestro Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha recounts the highs and lows of his time in Paris, from memorable debuts and earning captaincy to mentoring Ronaldinho and leaving the club trophyless in a PSG DOCUMENTARY monitored by OLAMIDE ABE Nigeria’s midfield maestro Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha recounts the highs and lows of his time in Paris, from memorable debuts and earning captaincy to mentoring Ronaldinho and leaving the club trophyless in a PSG DOCUMENTARY monitored by OLAMIDE ABEWhat did it mean to you to wear the PSG jersey and represent the club?My job was to make sure I brought joy to the jersey, and I believe I did that.
- The fans and the club recognised it as well.
- From my heart, I always gave everything I had for the team.
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Nigeria’s midfield maestro Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha recounts the highs and lows of his time in Paris, from memorable debuts and earning captaincy to mentoring Ronaldinho and leaving the club trophyless in a PSG DOCUMENTARY monitored by OLAMIDE ABE Nigeria’s midfield maestro Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha recounts the highs and lows of his time in Paris, from memorable debuts and...
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Glow 99.1 FM published this story with japhet samuel listed as author.
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March 6, 2026
