Football icon Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha is set to be the hero of a new animated series with focus on his childhood.
Although Okocha never won the coveted CAF player of the award, he is considered one of Africa’s best footballers of all time.
The 13-episode show powered by Showmax will follow him as an 11-year-old who dreams of playing for his school at a football tournament with his mates and is given superpowers by the animal kingdom because he fights against illegal poachers.
Titled Jay Jay: The Chosen One, the series will be Showmax’s first animated series.
Okocha, who starred at three World Cups, led Nigeria to glory at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, USA, winning the gold medal. He made his name at Bolton Wanderers where he played 142 games in all competitions, scoring 18 goals.
Okocha said he was “honoured” and “grateful” to be the subject of the series.
“I’m honoured to have an animated series that reimagines my childhood. Jay Jay: The Chosen One is going to bring back good childhood memories as well as inspire young children who have dreams to be football players.
“I’m excited about the show and grateful to Showmax and the production team who worked hard to bring it to life,” the 49-year-old said.
Showmax CEO Yolisa Phahle added in a statement, “This is a show we believe will find audiences globally and shines the spotlight on yet another world-class African achiever that we hope will be enjoyed by kids and the entire family.”
