33·Legends

Jay-Jay Okocha vs Nwankwo Kanu

Nigeria against Nigeria. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

JO

Jay-Jay Okocha

Nigeria · 1993–2000 · CAM

Almanac rating
91
Rank in Nigeria
#1 of 33
Caps
75 · 14 goals
Clubs
Eintracht Frankfurt, Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers

Five Karlsruhe defenders, some of them twice, then Oliver Kahn: that was Okocha's route to goal in Frankfurt on 31 August 1993, a strike Kahn still calls dizzying and Jürgen Klopp rates the best in Bundesliga history. The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and Olympic gold at Atlanta in 1996 head his list, followed by the 2000 AFCON final with Nigeria, three World Cups, the captaincy of the Super Eagles, and a 1998 move to Paris Saint-Germain that made him the most expensive African footballer of his day. Career record: 75 caps and 14 goals for Nigeria; club career at Eintracht Frankfurt, Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers.

vs
NK

Nwankwo Kanu

Nigeria · 1995–2008 · CAM

Almanac rating
90
Rank in Nigeria
#2 of 33
Caps
87 · 12 goals
Clubs
Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth
Honours
Hall of Fame

Trailing Brazil 3-1 in the Atlanta semi-final on 31 July 1996, Kanu equalised in the last minute and then struck the golden goal four minutes into extra time to win it 4-3. He captained Nigeria to Olympic gold days later, won the 1995 Champions League and three Dutch titles with Ajax, two Premier Leagues and two FA Cups with Arsenal, scored Portsmouth's 2008 FA Cup final winner, and was African Footballer of the Year in 1996 and 1999. Career record: 87 caps and 12 goals for Nigeria; club career at Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth; honours include Hall of Fame.

The verdict

The almanac puts Jay-Jay Okocha ahead by 1 rating point, 91 against 90.

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