33·Legends

Jay-Jay Okocha vs Taribo West

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
TW

Taribo West

Nigeria · 1996–2000 · CB

Almanac rating
86
Rank in Nigeria
#8 of 33
Clubs
AJ Auxerre, Inter Milan, Derby County

He dyed his braids to match the shirt, green and white at France 98, and he played every minute of Nigeria's six matches at Atlanta 1996. West took that gold, the UEFA Cup with Inter in 1998 despite a red card in the final, the French title and two Coupes de France with Auxerre, the Serbian league with Partizan, and a runner-up medal at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations. Career record: club career at AJ Auxerre, Inter Milan, Derby County.

The verdict

The almanac puts Jay-Jay Okocha ahead by 5 rating points, 91 against 86.

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