Chuba Iwobi, father of Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, has revealed that Nigerian football legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha played a major role in shaping his son’s football career.
Okocha, a former Super Eagles star, is the uncle of Alex Iwobi and one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.
Speaking in an interview with Molatsportsgist, Chuba Iwobi said Okocha’s influence on Alex began at an early stage of his development, particularly during his time at the Arsenal academy.
“Uncle Jay-Jay has been an inspiration to Alex. When he was at the Arsenal academy, we often visited Bolton to watch Jay-Jay play,” he said.
According to him, while Alex has developed his own unique playing style, elements of Okocha’s flair and technical brilliance can be seen in his game.
“Alex has his own playing style, but he is also influenced by the skills and technical ability of his uncle, and Jay-Jay has always been there for him,” Chuba added.
Jay-Jay Okocha enjoyed a distinguished career playing for top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers, and Hull City, before retiring from professional football in 2008.
Alex Iwobi has since gone on to establish himself as a key figure in the Super Eagles and continues to build his career in English football.