Nottingham Forest fullback Ola Aina has revealed his admiration for Super Eagles legend Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, citing him as his all-time favorite Nigerian footballer.
Aina, who grew up with Alex Iwobi, Okocha’s nephew, was familiar with the former Super Eagles captain from a young age.
“For me, I’m just gonna go Jay Jay Okocha. One, obviously because he’s a fantastic baller and the second reason is that I grew up with Alex Iwobi, I’ve been seeing Okocha since I was young. He’s his uncle (Iwobi), so he’s my uncle as well,” Aina explained in an interview with Kenny Allstar.
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Okocha, renowned for his exceptional dribbling and passing skills, is widely regarded as an icon in African and global football. Aina also mentioned John Terry as his first football idol, whom he later had the opportunity to play alongside.
“John Terry, captain, leader, he was serious. He embraced all the up-and-coming ballers into that team, he was good,” Aina said.
Aina also discussed Nottingham Forest’s impressive season, which includes reaching the FA Cup semi-final for the first time in 34 years and competing for Champions League qualification.
“Before the season started, everyone would have thought Forest would battle relegation again. What I would say though is the team has been fantastic, the hardwork we put in, being together and keeping the vibes up, come win or lose, our vibes are the same and I think that has really helped us,” he stated.
He praised head coach Nuno Espírito Santo’s man-management skills, highlighting his ability to connect with players.
“I feel like he knows how to bring himself to that level where he can actually relate with you. There are times he has spoken to me and I’m not looking at him as a coach anymore, he talks like we are equals,” Aina said.
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