Why Nigeria Produces More Strikers Than Defenders: Jay Jay Okocha Gives His Opinion

Why Nigeria Produces More Strikers Than Defenders: Jay Jay Okocha Gives His Opinion

Raphael Abiola
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
In this article:
A. A. Okocha
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  • Austin Jay Jay Okocha has shared his view on Nigeria producing more strikers than defenders
  • The former Paris Saint-Germain star is rated as one of the best midfielders in Nigeria's history
  • Nigeria have one of the best number of strikers in football compared to other countries globally

Super Eagles legend, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has aired his opinion on why Nigeria produces more strikers than defenders and other positions in recent times.

The West African nation currently has more top strikers than any country in Africa and even in the world, while other positions on the field are somewhat neglected.

Victor Osimhen is rated as the best striker on the continent while stars like Gift Orban, Terem Moffi, Victor Boniface, and Taiwo Awoniyi are also among the top attackers.

Austin Jay Jay Okocha
Austin Jay Jay Okocha shared his opinion on Nigeria producing more strikers than defenders. Photo: Ali Atmaca.
Source: Getty Images

Other positions in Nigeria's national team do not have the same wealth of talent compared to the striking position and Okocha believes he knows why.

In a recent interview, the legendary midfielder shared his views on the reason why scoring goals is more appealing to his compatriots, as per Soccernet.

"I will say football is part of our culture in Nigeria. And every kid in Nigeria wants to be a goal-scorer. [They] want to be noticed," Okocha stated.
"They realised that maybe the offensive midfielders, players, and strikers are the ones that get noticed more than defenders. And maybe because of nature.
"Also, the way we are built has made [Nigeria] produce a lot of strikers," Okocha added.

Given the success Nigerian strikers are currently enjoying around the world, the appeal of playing in such a notable position is surely set to continue increasing.

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Okocha reacts to Chukwueze's move to Milan

Sports Brief also previously reported on Okocha reacting to Chukwueze's recent move to AC Milan and shared some insight into the challenges he could face in Italy.

He stated the Nigerian international had been outstanding in the last few years and described the former Villarreal forward as a great addition to Stefano Pioli's side.

Authors
Raphael Abiola photo
Raphael Abiola
Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over five years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015.
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