Ivory Coast Icon Yaya Toure Hails Okocha As He Creates Ultimate African Player Ahead of AFCON: Video

• The countdown to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is almost finished
• Ivorian legend, Yaya Toure, has described his ultimate African player
• The former Manchester City star has hailed an ex-Nigerian midfielder

The countdown to the continent’s biggest football showpiece, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), continues.

Host nation, Ivory Coast prepares to host every participating nation in what is shaping up to be an exquisite continental footballing festival.

Ahead of the competition’s kick-off, a host of African football legends find themselves in the hot seat, facing a series of rapid-fire questions.

Among the latest to undergo this quick-fire interview is former Manchester City star and the 2015 AFCON winner with Ivory Coast - Yaya Toure.

During an interview with Goal, the 40-year-old former attacking midfielder faced the challenging task of assembling his Ultimate African Footballer.

Orban dropped as Nigeria submits 40-man AFCON provisional squad to CAF

Football

Toure's choices included Samuel Eto'o's right foot, Kanga Akale's left foot, Bakare Koni's speed, Didier Drogba's strength, and Jay Jay Okocha's football intelligence.

While Toure's selections seemed fitting, it was his endorsement of Okocha that stirred reactions among fans, as the Ivorian midfielder emphasised his plaudits for the Nigerian maestro.

Toure praises Okocha

The former Barcelona player fondly expressed his love for the Super Eagles legend during his active days, stating:

"Okocha, I love Okocha in that period."

Okocha became renowned for his football prowess, particularly his dazzling dribbling skills that attracted the attention of numerous European clubs during his playing days.

The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, who amassed 73 caps for the Nigerian national team between 1993 and 2006 and scored 14 goals, is celebrated as one of Africa's finest footballers.

In addition to his impressive international career, Okocha clinched the AFCON title with the Super Eagles in 1994, as reported by Transfermarkt.

Mohammed Kudus: Black Stars forward picks Jay Jay Okocha as favourite legend

Football

His versatile journey in football involved stints with various clubs, including Enugu Rangers and Bolton Wanderers, where he reached the pinnacle of his career.

Okocha criticises CAF

Sports Brief previously reported on former Super Eagles captain, Okocha criticising CAF's packed scheduling of the 2023 AFCON tournament.

The former Nigerian international was particular about the adverse effects on the marketability of elite African players to top clubs across Europe.

Okocha urged the competition’s officials to employ all means to see the tournament is hosted in the summer, like its European counterpart.