Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey has hailed former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha’s confidence to attempt audacious skills during matches, praising the Nigerian legend’s fearlessness on the pitch, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
“He has a lot of confidence to pull off the skill, not a lot of players have the confidence to do that in a game,” Bailey said in a video posted by the Premier League on social media after watching footage of Okocha’s famous rainbow flick against Arsenal.
The Jamaica international admitted he would consider attempting similar skills but with a caveat.
“I think I can try in a game, has to be a game we’re already winning though,” Bailey added.
Interestingly, Okocha’s iconic rainbow flick against Arsenal’s Ray Parlour came when the scores were tied at 2-2 in a Premier League game between Bolton and Arsenal in 2003, highlighting the Nigerian’s willingness to showcase his skills regardless of the match situation.
The moment became one of the most memorable displays of skill in Premier League history, as Okocha, instead of simply holding onto the ball to run down the clock, audaciously scooped the ball over Parlour’s head near the corner flag, leaving the Arsenal midfielder embarrassed.
Speaking about the skill years later, Okocha revealed it was something he had perfected over time.
“I mean, it was something I perfected. And it’s all about doing it at the right time and at the right moment,” Okocha told Ally McCoist and Gabriel Agbonlahor on their Talksport program.
“You know we were trying to see off the game. We played a draw, which was a massive result for us and in that little corner, you know that was what went on for me.”
The draw proved crucial for Bolton, who went on to avoid relegation that season, while Arsenal finished the campaign as unbeaten champions, adding further context to Okocha’s confidence to attempt such an elaborate skill in a high-pressure situation.
The Nigerian icon’s career was defined by such moments of brilliance. After joining Bolton from Paris Saint-Germain in 2002, the Nigerian midfielder became a cult hero at the Reebok Stadium, captaining the team and helping them reach the League Cup final in 2004.
Known for his ability to produce the unexpected, Okocha was twice named BBC African Footballer of the Year and was described by FIFA as being “so good that they named him twice” in reference to his commonly used name “Jay-Jay.”
Bailey’s comments highlight the lasting legacy of Okocha’s flair and creativity, qualities that continue to inspire a new generation of players long after the Nigerian star’s retirement from professional football.
