Nigeria football legends, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Samson Siasia, became a year older on Sunday.
While Okocha, who was a skilful midfielder during his playing time, clocked 42, Siasia, a deadly poacher is six years older.
Here we highlight six outstanding similarities between these former internationals.
- Ex-teammates
Okocha and Siasia both played together for Nigeria between 1993 and 1999. The duo was part of the Super Eagles’ golden generation that dominated African football and took the world by storm at the 1994 World Cup.
- Afcon winners
Both players won the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) for Nigeria at the 1994 edition in Tunisia. While Siasia missed a spot-kick in the semi-final win over Cote d’Ivoire, Okocha was named in the Team of the Tournament.
- Famous in France
Siasia made his name while playing for French side, Nantes, where he made 43 appearances between 1993 and 1995. His compatriot, Okocha, would go on to carve a niche for himself at another French side, Paris-Saint Germain, three years later.
- Won laurels at club level
Siasia’s only accolade at club level was at Nantes when they clinched the French Ligue 1 in 1995. Okocha on the other hand, won several laurels including UEFA Intertoto Cup and Trophée des Champions at PSG.
- Remained in the game after retirement
Siasia and Okocha haven’t left the game despite retiring in 2000 and 2008 respectively. Siasia ventured into coaching and is currently in charge of the Nigeria U23 team who a day to his birthday made it to the semi-final of the 2016 Rio Olympic football event. Okocha on the hand opted to head into administration and is now president of the Delta State Football Association.
- All-time topscorers
Okocha and Siasia scored 14 and 13 goals for Nigeria – making the pair the 5th and 6th all-time scorer for the country.
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