Former Super Eagles captain, Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha has denied claims suggesting he once carried an eight-year-old Esther Okoronkwo on his shoulders at the Reebok Stadium back in 2005.
The claim resurfaced following Okoronkwo’s standout performance in Nigeria’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final on Saturday.
The 28-year-old striker scored a penalty to reduce the deficit, assisted Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser, and provided the pass for Jennifer Echegini’s winner—earning her the Player of the Match award.
Amid the celebration, an X user with the handle #BobMfonmma shared a photo of Okocha carrying a young child on his shoulders during his Bolton Wanderers days, captioning it:
“Jay Jay Okocha with 8-year-old Esther Okoronkwo at the Reebok Stadium in 2005. Anointed from childhood!”
Okocha was contacted by Punch Online to verify the claim. He firmly dismissed it.
“That’s nonsense. This is my son,” he said.
Esther Okoronkwo has become a national sensation since the tournament, scoring two goals and registering six assists.
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