Nigerians have trolled Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha after Ademola Lookman's Ballon d'Or finish.
Nigerians have taken to social media with a mix of celebration and playful banter, targeting Super Eagles legend Jay Jay Okocha following Ademola Lookman's impressive 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings.
Lookman's achievement is particularly noteworthy as he stands as the only African player to feature in the top 30, marking his debut nomination for the prestigious award.
The accomplishment places Lookman in an elite group of Nigerian footballers who have made their mark in the Ballon d'Or rankings. He now ranks as the third highest-placed Nigerian in the award's history, following Victor Osimhen's eighth-place finish in 2023 and Nwankwo Kanu's eleventh-place achievement in 1996.
While celebrating best dressed at the occasion Lookman's success, Nigerian football fans couldn't resist taking playful jabs at Okocha, who, despite his legendary status, never appeared on the Ballon d'Or list during his celebrated career.
Social media erupted with witty comments and comparisons, with one user referencing Okocha's famous nickname: "So good they named him twice."
Another fan made a cheeky reference to Okocha's renowned dribbling skills, commenting, "Na him teach Ronaldinho snake bite." The social media storm continued with various quips, including "Them think say na to raise ball" and pointed remarks about his time at Bolton Wanderers: "Played for Bolton (he no good sha) just saying."
Some fans took a more critical stance, with one boldly claiming, "Remember my Jay Jay slander? Neymar at 20 had a better career than Jay Jay's entire career." Another supporter attributed Okocha's absence from the Ballon d'Or listings to his career choices, noting, "He didn't play for a tier 1 club that's why."
This blend of celebration for Lookman and gentle mockery of Okocha reflects the dynamic nature of Nigerian football fandom. While the nation proudly embraces Lookman's historic achievement, the playful banter surrounding Okocha's legacy demonstrates how modern success can spark fresh discussions about past legends.
The situation perfectly captures the evolving narrative of Nigerian football, where new achievements continue to reshape perceptions of historical greatness.
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