Former Striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni Says Alex Iwobi Is Not Jay Jay Okocha, Sends Message to Nigerians

• Alex Iwobi played an important role in helping Nigeria finish the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as runners-up
• The former Arsenal man faced heavy criticisms after the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the final
• Nigerian ex-international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has told fans that Iwobi is totally different from his uncle, Jay Jay Okocha

Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has urged Nigerian football fans to stop comparing Alex Iwobi to mercurial midfielder Jay Jay Okocha.

Iwobi faced heavy criticisms from Nigerians despite helping the Super Eagles to finish the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast as runner-up.

The Fulham star was singled out for blame after hosts Ivory Coast came from behind to deny the Eagles a fourth continental title.

Amid the drama, the former Arsenal midfielder went on to delete all photos from his Instagram handle to express his frustration, Channels TV reported.

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Fans have always expected Iwobi to exhibit exploits like his maternal uncle Jay Jay Okocha, an insinuation which has left Yakubu disappointed.

The former Portsmouth of England striker told Feed The Yak Podcast:

"They need to understand. Stop comparing Alex Iwobi to Jay Jay. This guy is different. Alex Iwobi can run from here to Nigeria, from London to Nigeria.

"Jay Jay cannot run from here to Nigeria, but he has the skills and he's very intelligent. He is one of the best midfielders that Nigeria has ever produced.

"Jay Jay will say to me, Yak, I will turn the ball like this, I will turn the ball like that. There is no one like Jay Jay."

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The Nigerian stars recently returned from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they disappointedly lost the final to host Ivory Coast 2-1 after an outstanding tournament.

The goals and the win provided succour for the Innit Boys, who were on the receiving end of harsh criticisms from their fellow citizens after the AFCON final loss.