Super Eagles icon Jay‑Jay Okocha has finally been presented with his Superior Player of the Match award for his outstanding display in Nigeria’s historic 3–2 victory over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
On Thursday, 11 June 2026, Jay-Jay Okocha finally received the Player of the Match award for Nigeria’s iconic 3–2 victory over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, 28 years after his dazzling performance helped secure one of the tournament’s greatest upsets.
Players like Okocha are rare, a true football magician, unique in his style, skill, imagination and brilliance. They simply don’t make them like him anymore.
Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Spain on 13 June 1998 at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes remains one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Entering the Group D clash as clear underdogs against a star‑studded Spanish side, the Super Eagles twice fought back from behind to claim a thrilling opening‑match win.
Softfootball gathered, Spain opened the scoring with a trademark free‑kick, but Nigeria responded immediately. The second half unfolded into a tactical battle filled with high‑level execution, bold decisions and unforgettable moments.
His creativity, ball control, composure and ability to dictate the rhythm of the game were central to Nigeria’s comeback. Even decades later, fans still recall how he danced through pressure, carried the ball with elegance and inspired confidence in every teammate around him.
