Is Okocha the uncle of Alex Iwobi?

If you are a fan of Nigerian football, you might have wondered if there is any family connection between two of the country’s most talented players: Jay-Jay Okocha and Alex Iwobi. The answer is yes, they are related. In fact, Jay-Jay Okocha is Alex Iwobi’s maternal uncle. The two footballers have a close relationship, and Jay-Jay Okocha has been a mentor to Alex Iwobi throughout his career, thats why people are asking if Okocha the uncle of Alex Iwobi?

How are Okocha and Iwobi related?

Okocha and Iwobi share the same bloodline through their mothers, who are sisters. Okocha’s mother, Jovita Okocha, and Iwobi’s mother, Chuba Iwobi, are both from the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria. They grew up in Enugu, a city in the southeastern part of the country.

Okocha was born in Enugu on August 14, 1973, as Augustine Azuka Okocha. He started playing football at a young age, and soon showed his exceptional skills and flair. He joined Enugu Rangers, a local club, when he was 17, and then moved to Germany to play for Borussia Neunkirchen in 1990.

Iwobi was born in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, on May 3, 1996, as Alexander Chuka Iwobi. He moved to England with his family when he was four years old, and joined Arsenal’s youth academy when he was nine. He made his senior debut for the Gunners in 2015, and has since become a regular member of the team.

How did Okocha influence Iwobi’s career?

Okocha has been a huge inspiration and influence for Iwobi, both on and off the pitch. Okocha is widely regarded as one of the best African players of all time, and one of the most skillful and creative midfielders in the world. He played for several top clubs in Europe, such as Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers, and Fenerbahce, and won many trophies and awards. He also captained the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, and led them to win the 1994 African Cup of Nations and the 1996 Olympic gold medal.

Iwobi has always looked up to his uncle, and has tried to emulate his style and attitude. He has said that Okocha was his idol growing up, and that he used to watch his videos and learn from him. He has also revealed that Okocha gave him valuable advice and encouragement when he was starting his career, and that he still calls him regularly for guidance and support.

Okocha has also been very supportive and proud of his nephew, and has praised his talent and potential. He has said that Iwobi has a bright future ahead of him, and that he can achieve great things in football. He has also defended him from critics and cyberbullies, especially after Nigeria’s loss to Cote D’Ivoire in the 2024 African Cup of Nations final, where Iwobi missed a penalty. Okocha posted a message on his Instagram page, saying that he loves Iwobi no matter what, and that he trusts that God’s will be done in his life.

Is Okocha the uncle of Alex Iwobi lets look at the differences between Okocha and Iwobi?

Okocha and Iwobi have some similarities and differences in their playing styles, positions, and achievements. Both of them are known for their dribbling skills, creativity, and flair, and both of them can play in different roles in the midfield or attack. However, Okocha was more of a playmaker and a free-kick specialist, while Iwobi is more of a winger and a finisher. Okocha also had a more powerful and accurate shot, while Iwobi has a better pace and movement.

Is Okocha the uncle of Alex Iwobi? In terms of their positions, Okocha played mostly as an attacking midfielder or a second striker, while Iwobi plays mostly as a left winger or a central midfielder. Okocha wore the number 10 shirt for most of his clubs and country, while Iwobi wears the number 17 shirt for Arsenal and the number 18 shirt for Nigeria.

In terms of their achievements, Okocha has a more impressive and decorated career than Iwobi, at least for now. Okocha won 18 major trophies with his clubs and country, including the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, the Turkish Super League, the French Super Cup, and the African Cup of Nations. He also won several individual awards, such as the BBC African Footballer of the Year (twice), the African Footballer of the Year (twice), and the Nigerian Footballer of the Year (seven times). He was also named in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players in 2004.

Iwobi, on the other hand, has won only two major trophies so far, both with Arsenal: the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield, also won some individual awards, such as the CAF Young Player of the Year in 2016, and the Nigerian Footballer of the Year in 2018. He is still young and has a lot of room for improvement and growth, and he could potentially surpass his uncle’s achievements in the future.

Conclusion

Okocha and Iwobi are two of the most talented and exciting players that Nigeria has ever produced, and they share a strong family bond and a passion for football. Okocha is Iwobi’s uncle, mentor, and idol, and Iwobi is Okocha’s nephew, protégé, and pride. They have some similarities and differences in their playing styles, positions, and achievements, but they both have a lot of respect and love for each other. They are both an inspiration and a source of joy for millions of Nigerian and African fans, and they have made a positive impact on the game of football.