Okocha Dismisses Viral Claim Linking Him to Esther Okoronkwo

Former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha has debunked a widely circulated social media claim suggesting he once carried Esther Okoronkwo on his shoulders during his playing days at the Reebok Stadium in 2005.

The false narrative resurfaced following Okoronkwo’s standout performance in Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday. The 28-year-old forward played a decisive role, scoring from the penalty spot, setting up Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser, and assisting Jennifer Echegini’s late winner to secure Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

Her heroics quickly sparked admiration and speculation online. One viral post, shared by an X user identified as #BobMfonmma, featured a photo of Okocha carrying a young child on his shoulders, captioned: “Jay Jay Okocha with 8-year-old Esther Okoronkwo at the Reebok Stadium in 2005. Anointed from childhood!”

However, when he was contacted to verify the authenticity of the image and claim, Okocha promptly refuted the story.

“That’s nonsense. This is my son,” the former Bolton Wanderers midfielder said.

Okocha played for the English Premier League side between 2002 and 2006.

Okoronkwo, who plays for AFC Toronto, has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament, finishing with two goals and six assists. Initially introduced as a substitute in Nigeria’s first two group matches, she made an immediate impact with two assists before cementing her place in the starting XI from the third group game against Algeria through to the final.

The Super Falcons’ comeback win over Morocco added to their illustrious WAFCON history, following previous titles in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.