Nigerian football icon, Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha has revealed that his famous nickname dates back to his childhood days playing football with his brothers in their neighbourhood.

Okocha made the revelation during an appearance on the ObiOne Podcast, explaining that the nickname was created because several boys in the area shared the name Austin.

According to the former Super Eagles captain, his friends began distinguishing him from the others by calling him “Austin Jay-Jay’s brother,” referring to his older brother. The shortened version, “Jay-Jay,” eventually became the name by which he was widely known.

“It started in the neighbourhood where we grew up. All of us were footballers; we were just on the street playing, and my two brothers played as well,” Okocha said.

He added that the nickname became even more useful when he began travelling internationally, as some people found it difficult to pronounce his full first name, Augustine.

“When I travelled, some people struggled to pronounce my name, Augustine, so Jay-Jay was a lot easier. I decided to adopt the name and put it in my passport,” he said, joking that he still pays royalties to his brother.

Okocha, who played for clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers and Fenerbahçe, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most naturally gifted footballers.

Known for his exceptional dribbling, creativity and flair, the former midfielder made the nickname “Jay-Jay” a globally recognised part of Nigerian football and continues to be identified by it years after retiring from professional football.