Ogbunigwe: Re - Naija's greatest footballer ever.

[Hard Man]

Just goes to underline why the UBA and the Shriners will forever be at loggerheads.

For me, it is never clear who is inhaling gbana, but I must say both sides swap the roll every now and then. Monopoly has not been determined yet, but the UBA will, of course, say that the Shriners, due to their near-total reverence for Oga and pink-shaded belief in his absolute infallibility, have a near total monopoly on the roll ...

I agree Hardman that cross generation comparisms a odious. However, I am tempted to say Thompson Usiyen was the greatest.

[Chief Gabtigab]

Admins, moderators, please help me. I want to reproduce my JJ vs. Finidi thesis that I used to send Gabtigab and bashers into hiding sometimes in 2001. I have lost the story after formatting my harddisk on a few occassion. I know the story must be on Allard's forum which this forum inherited. I hate to rewrite same story again.
Kai! how can any one even claim that Finidi is anywhere near Oga??

Papak,
Abeg go siddon. First off the name na CHIEF Gabtigab and secondly a true UBA honcho can not hide from any issue related to masturbatory dribbles. Having said that, I agree with Chief Ogbunigwe. Pass the roll.

[Hard Man]

Ogbunigwe, I for expect you to fire back one time but e be like say u don pick race comot ...

Finidi vs JJ

Midfielders
Finidi 1991 – 2002 (11 years)
Okocha 1993 –2004 (11 years)

Goals:
Finidi scored a total of 5 goals for the Eagles over a period of 11 years and Okocha has recorded 12 goals in the same number of years.

Passes::
I will never forget the day Burkina Suffered in 7-1 demolition in Lagos. Even though, Yekini recorded 4 goals Finidi as the star of that match supplying 2 of the crosses and scoring the 7th goals himself. The earlier version of Finidi went past his markers and laid easy tap ins for Yekini in many matches between 1991-1994. Finidi had killer passes. Nonetheless, Okocha’s greatest asset might actually be his passing ability. Starting from his home debut in 1993 when he tore Algeria’s defence to shreds setting up 2 goals and scoring 1 (in a 4-1) win, to ANC 94 when his passes destroyed Cote d’Ivoire, to 96 Olympic qualifiers (passes to Fatusi against Zimbabwe), 98 WC qualifiers Okocha (pass to Amuneke against Kenya) Okocha provided match winning passes over the year. Some UBA misinformers are quick to say Okocha has zero assists in 3 WCs but was he really expected to score for Yekini (good passes against Italy – USA 94), Kanu (sweet passes against Denmark – France 98), Babayaro (glorious cross against Sweden – 2002), Utaka (a clever through ball against Sweden – 2002), Jag (a number of lovely passes against England – WC 2002)??
In summary: a close-one but Okocha still has the edge, especially when it comes to 30-40 yard passes.

Shots::
Both players are good with shots with both feet. Okocha takes more and understandably scores more. Even with the hard luck of hitting the wood-work more than any other player in history, Okocha is still a better shooter than Finidi going by club record and national team match statistics.

Clubs & Team Impact::
A million thanks to Westerhof for helping Finidi get to Ajax. Finidi shriners will always point to his glory days at Ajax. No doubt Finidi had far more impact with that team much more than Kanu. Once Finidi left Ajax he has only succeeded in leading Real Betis and Ipswich Town to relegation. Okocha’s choice of clubs means he’s had close to zero club success. He’s always been the corner-stone of his clubs. His influence helped save Bolton from relegation and almost sent the modest club into Europe the following season. Okocha is the only Naija player (OK, Oba Martins to some extents) that have been begged by Nigerians from all walks of life to play and continue playing for Nigeria. The only players whose absence the fans and coaches say is responsible for Naija’s loss of matches. JJ’s impact on his team is so high, that I once called him the man-of-the-match specialist. He certainly makes more impact than Finidi.

Trophies & Awards: :
It’s a shame that none of the two great players had ever won Africa Player of the year. However, Okocha has been twice runner’s up with Finidi’s best showing being 3rd once. Finidi won the Champions league and a number of club medals with Ajax. They have equal number of national team trophies, 1 gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, with Okocha adding an olympic gold. There’s not much to choose between the two.

Other Intangibles:
Freekick – On many occassions, Okocha has changed the course of a match with well struck freekicks. He’s been successful for Fenebache and Bolton. He’s had a few against the bar for Nigeria, but who will ever forget that one against Cameroon at ANC 2004.
Throw-in – (Probably one of the reasons 1naija shrines Okocha) – When the going gets tough, it might just be one long throw-in into the box that will cause trouble for the opponents. Ask Brazil at 96 Olympics semi-finals.
Popularity – Only one of the two players have shrines built around the world for ‘worshipping’ him. Okocha's influence in Germany, Turkey and England is probably greater than it is in Nigeria. If you really want to test how strong this player is admired, then fix a wedding ceremony for him in some streets of Surulere and witness the grand-mother of mob response.

[PapaK]

Hard Man:
Na so dem go pick race oh! And to think that I actually hurriedly wrote the argument since I couldnt locate the original. The one I wrote in 2001 was loaded with overwhelming facts that sent bashers running for cover. If there was any one still in any form of doubt, the performance of Okocha in England over the past two seasons, this years ANC, the JJ DVD, the growing list of prominent shriners including Stella Obasanjo, Zagallo, etc should have cleared all such doubts.

Ogbunigwe, I for expect you to fire back one time but e be like say u don pick race comot ...

Finidi vs JJ

Midfielders
Finidi 1991 – 2002 (11 years)
Okocha 1993 –2004 (11 years)

Goals:
Finidi scored a total of 5 goals for the Eagles over a period of 11 years and Okocha has recorded 12 goals in the same number of years.

Passes::
I will never forget the day Burkina Suffered in 7-1 demolition in Lagos. Even though, Yekini recorded 4 goals Finidi as the star of that match supplying 2 of the crosses and scoring the 7th goals himself. The earlier version of Finidi went past his markers and laid easy tap ins for Yekini in many matches between 1991-1994. Finidi had killer passes. Nonetheless, Okocha’s greatest asset might actually be his passing ability. Starting from his home debut in 1993 when he tore Algeria’s defence to shreds setting up 2 goals and scoring 1 (in a 4-1) win, to ANC 94 when his passes destroyed Cote d’Ivoire, to 96 Olympic qualifiers (passes to Fatusi against Zimbabwe), 98 WC qualifiers Okocha (pass to Amuneke against Kenya) Okocha provided match winning passes over the year. Some UBA misinformers are quick to say Okocha has zero assists in 3 WCs but was he really expected to score for Yekini (good passes against Italy – USA 94), Kanu (sweet passes against Denmark – France 98), Babayaro (glorious cross against Sweden – 2002), Utaka (a clever through ball against Sweden – 2002), Jag (a number of lovely passes against England – WC 2002)??
In summary: a close-one but Okocha still has the edge, especially when it comes to 30-40 yard passes.

Shots::
Both players are good with shots with both feet. Okocha takes more and understandably scores more. Even with the hard luck of hitting the wood-work more than any other player in history, Okocha is still a better shooter than Finidi going by club record and national team match statistics.

Clubs & Team Impact::
A million thanks to Westerhof for helping Finidi get to Ajax. Finidi shriners will always point to his glory days at Ajax. No doubt Finidi had far more impact with that team much more than Kanu. Once Finidi left Ajax he has only succeeded in leading Real Betis and Ipswich Town to relegation. Okocha’s choice of clubs means he’s had close to zero club success. He’s always been the corner-stone of his clubs. His influence helped save Bolton from relegation and almost sent the modest club into Europe the following season. Okocha is the only Naija player (OK, Oba Martins to some extents) that have been begged by Nigerians from all walks of life to play and continue playing for Nigeria. The only players whose absence the fans and coaches say is responsible for Naija’s loss of matches. JJ’s impact on his team is so high, that I once called him the man-of-the-match specialist. He certainly makes more impact than Finidi.

Trophies & Awards: :
It’s a shame that none of the two great players had ever won Africa Player of the year. However, Okocha has been twice runner’s up with Finidi’s best showing being 3rd once. Finidi won the Champions league and a number of club medals with Ajax. They have equal number of national team trophies, 1 gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, with Okocha adding an olympic gold. There’s not much to choose between the two.

Other Intangibles:
Freekick – On many occassions, Okocha has changed the course of a match with well struck freekicks. He’s been successful for Fenebache and Bolton. He’s had a few against the bar for Nigeria, but who will ever forget that one against Cameroon at ANC 2004.
Throw-in – (Probably one of the reasons 1naija shrines Okocha) – When the going gets tough, it might just be one long throw-in into the box that will cause trouble for the opponents. Ask Brazil at 96 Olympics semi-finals.
Popularity – Only one of the two players have shrines built around the world for ‘worshipping’ him. Okocha's influence in Germany, Turkey and England is probably greater than it is in Nigeria. If you really want to test how strong this player is admired, then fix a wedding ceremony for him in some streets of Surulere and witness the grand-mother of mob response.

[chendosplastic]

"He dribbles Christian Madu!!!"
"He dribbles Chritian Chukwu!!!"
"He has dribbled two Christians, this man must be a Muslim!!!"
"Yes!!! He is, Kunle Awesu!!!!!"

[chendosplastic]

"He dribbles Christian Madu!!!"
"He dribbles Chritian Chukwu!!!"
"He has dribbled two Christians, this man must be a Muslim!!!"
"Yes!!! He is, Kunle Awesu!!!!!"

Actually Ardile, "he" dribbled 3 Christians .. Christian Nwokocha (striker), Christian Madu (midfielder) and Christian Chukwu (defender) and "he" was late Muda Lawal.

No!
He BEATS Christian Chukwu, He BEATS Christian Madu, This man must be a moslem, Baba #$% Mohammed.

[Prince]

Finidi vs JJ

Midfielders
Finidi 1991 – 2002 (11 years)
Okocha 1993 –2004 (11 years)

Goals:
Finidi scored a total of 5 goals for the Eagles over a period of 11 years and Okocha has recorded 12 goals in the same number of years.

Passes::
I will never forget the day Burkina Suffered in 7-1 demolition in Lagos. Even though, Yekini recorded 4 goals Finidi as the star of that match supplying 2 of the crosses and scoring the 7th goals himself. The earlier version of Finidi went past his markers and laid easy tap ins for Yekini in many matches between 1991-1994. Finidi had killer passes. Nonetheless, Okocha’s greatest asset might actually be his passing ability. Starting from his home debut in 1993 when he tore Algeria’s defence to shreds setting up 2 goals and scoring 1 (in a 4-1) win, to ANC 94 when his passes destroyed Cote d’Ivoire, to 96 Olympic qualifiers (passes to Fatusi against Zimbabwe), 98 WC qualifiers Okocha (pass to Amuneke against Kenya) Okocha provided match winning passes over the year. Some UBA misinformers are quick to say Okocha has zero assists in 3 WCs but was he really expected to score for Yekini (good passes against Italy – USA 94), Kanu (sweet passes against Denmark – France 98), Babayaro (glorious cross against Sweden – 2002), Utaka (a clever through ball against Sweden – 2002), Jag (a number of lovely passes against England – WC 2002)??
In summary: a close-one but Okocha still has the edge, especially when it comes to 30-40 yard passes.

Shots::
Both players are good with shots with both feet. Okocha takes more and understandably scores more. Even with the hard luck of hitting the wood-work more than any other player in history, Okocha is still a better shooter than Finidi going by club record and national team match statistics.

Clubs & Team Impact::
A million thanks to Westerhof for helping Finidi get to Ajax. Finidi shriners will always point to his glory days at Ajax. No doubt Finidi had far more impact with that team much more than Kanu. Once Finidi left Ajax he has only succeeded in leading Real Betis and Ipswich Town to relegation. Okocha’s choice of clubs means he’s had close to zero club success. He’s always been the corner-stone of his clubs. His influence helped save Bolton from relegation and almost sent the modest club into Europe the following season. Okocha is the only Naija player (OK, Oba Martins to some extents) that have been begged by Nigerians from all walks of life to play and continue playing for Nigeria. The only players whose absence the fans and coaches say is responsible for Naija’s loss of matches. JJ’s impact on his team is so high, that I once called him the man-of-the-match specialist. He certainly makes more impact than Finidi.

Trophies & Awards: :
It’s a shame that none of the two great players had ever won Africa Player of the year. However, Okocha has been twice runner’s up with Finidi’s best showing being 3rd once. Finidi won the Champions league and a number of club medals with Ajax. They have equal number of national team trophies, 1 gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, with Okocha adding an olympic gold. There’s not much to choose between the two.

Other Intangibles:
Freekick – On many occassions, Okocha has changed the course of a match with well struck freekicks. He’s been successful for Fenebache and Bolton. He’s had a few against the bar for Nigeria, but who will ever forget that one against Cameroon at ANC 2004.
Throw-in – (Probably one of the reasons 1naija shrines Okocha) – When the going gets tough, it might just be one long throw-in into the box that will cause trouble for the opponents. Ask Brazil at 96 Olympics semi-finals.
Popularity – Only one of the two players have shrines built around the world for ‘worshipping’ him. Okocha's influence in Germany, Turkey and England is probably greater than it is in Nigeria. If you really want to test how strong this player is admired, then fix a wedding ceremony for him in some streets of Surulere and witness the grand-mother of mob response.

Whose goal took us to our first ever World Cup?
Who has a champion league medal to his credit?
Who was Captain in one of the greatest league in World.
Who has a World CUp goal to his credit.
Who was votede the best 7 in the world during his hey days.

But JJ is still the greatest ever though....................

[Chief Ogbunigwe]

Ogbunigwe, I for expect you to fire back one time but e be like say u don pick race comot ...

Finidi vs JJ

Midfielders
Finidi 1991 – 2002 (11 years)
Okocha 1993 –2004 (11 years)

Goals:
Finidi scored a total of 5 goals for the Eagles over a period of 11 years and Okocha has recorded 12 goals in the same number of years.

Passes::
I will never forget the day Burkina Suffered in 7-1 demolition in Lagos. Even though, Yekini recorded 4 goals Finidi as the star of that match supplying 2 of the crosses and scoring the 7th goals himself. The earlier version of Finidi went past his markers and laid easy tap ins for Yekini in many matches between 1991-1994. Finidi had killer passes. Nonetheless, Okocha’s greatest asset might actually be his passing ability. Starting from his home debut in 1993 when he tore Algeria’s defence to shreds setting up 2 goals and scoring 1 (in a 4-1) win, to ANC 94 when his passes destroyed Cote d’Ivoire, to 96 Olympic qualifiers (passes to Fatusi against Zimbabwe), 98 WC qualifiers Okocha (pass to Amuneke against Kenya) Okocha provided match winning passes over the year. Some UBA misinformers are quick to say Okocha has zero assists in 3 WCs but was he really expected to score for Yekini (good passes against Italy – USA 94), Kanu (sweet passes against Denmark – France 98), Babayaro (glorious cross against Sweden – 2002), Utaka (a clever through ball against Sweden – 2002), Jag (a number of lovely passes against England – WC 2002)??
In summary: a close-one but Okocha still has the edge, especially when it comes to 30-40 yard passes.

Shots::
Both players are good with shots with both feet. Okocha takes more and understandably scores more. Even with the hard luck of hitting the wood-work more than any other player in history, Okocha is still a better shooter than Finidi going by club record and national team match statistics.

Clubs & Team Impact::
A million thanks to Westerhof for helping Finidi get to Ajax. Finidi shriners will always point to his glory days at Ajax. No doubt Finidi had far more impact with that team much more than Kanu. Once Finidi left Ajax he has only succeeded in leading Real Betis and Ipswich Town to relegation. Okocha’s choice of clubs means he’s had close to zero club success. He’s always been the corner-stone of his clubs. His influence helped save Bolton from relegation and almost sent the modest club into Europe the following season. Okocha is the only Naija player (OK, Oba Martins to some extents) that have been begged by Nigerians from all walks of life to play and continue playing for Nigeria. The only players whose absence the fans and coaches say is responsible for Naija’s loss of matches. JJ’s impact on his team is so high, that I once called him the man-of-the-match specialist. He certainly makes more impact than Finidi.

Trophies & Awards: :
It’s a shame that none of the two great players had ever won Africa Player of the year. However, Okocha has been twice runner’s up with Finidi’s best showing being 3rd once. Finidi won the Champions league and a number of club medals with Ajax. They have equal number of national team trophies, 1 gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, with Okocha adding an olympic gold. There’s not much to choose between the two.

Other Intangibles:
Freekick – On many occassions, Okocha has changed the course of a match with well struck freekicks. He’s been successful for Fenebache and Bolton. He’s had a few against the bar for Nigeria, but who will ever forget that one against Cameroon at ANC 2004.
Throw-in – (Probably one of the reasons 1naija shrines Okocha) – When the going gets tough, it might just be one long throw-in into the box that will cause trouble for the opponents. Ask Brazil at 96 Olympics semi-finals.
Popularity – Only one of the two players have shrines built around the world for ‘worshipping’ him. Okocha's influence in Germany, Turkey and England is probably greater than it is in Nigeria. If you really want to test how strong this player is admired, then fix a wedding ceremony for him in some streets of Surulere and witness the grand-mother of mob response.

Hardman:
what is there to say? Papak describes finidi as better in his text, but miraculously gives the edge to JJ in his conclusion. That's what Shriners do!

For example, he talks about Finidi's numerous national and continental medals at Ajax, compared to JJ's NONE, but somehow concludes no-one has the edge over the other because they both have approx the same amount of medals with the Eagles.

And how convenient is it to forget that our last WC qualifiers had a lot to do Finidi's passes to Agali (though Finidi, Amodu, Oliseh and Agali were later dropped and WC was prosecuted by backstabbers Pa Oni and OKOCHA).

Oh, and talking about the BIGGEST stage, where only REAL MEAN show up, where you win and move on, show-boat and GO HOME. In 1994, who assisted in ALL Nigeria's 3 goals against Bulgaria? I cant hear....louder! F-I-N-I-D-I! Who scored that cerebral goal against Greece and celebrated like 404? Pardon? louder? OGA FINIDI.
And in 98, while some people bleached their hair and were busy performing contract- and attention-seeking cross-over moves which left Oliseh completely exposed to the Danes, who managed to find an open Babangida that gave us a consolation goal? Who? yes, you're right, Finidi!

Alright, no need for long thesis. Here we go.

Football brains - Finidi
Team player - Finidi
BIG Game player - Finidi
Dribbler - Okocha
Opponent Fans' favorite - Okocha
Club silverware - Finidi
Talent - Okocha
underacheiver - Okocha
Dedication (wont dodge coaches' phone call, will show up for patriotic reasons) - Finidi.
Ajegunle legend - Okocha

so make your conclusions.

[PapaK]

Ogbunigwe:
Finidi assisted in only two of our goals against Bulgaria in 1994.
Finidi had CL medal, but Okocha counters with an Olympic medal - I believe I'm fair here.
Your take on the twos' France 98 performance is what is expected from UBA. Afterall, you actually argued that Mutiu had a better championship than Okocha. I dont believe the whole world could be wrong about Okocha's performance at France 98. Remember that PSG had to pay $17m because Fenebache wouldnt sell and there were other suitors as well. In addition, guess who was selected in FIFA's technical committee team of the championship. Okocha! and the only African for that matter.
Finidi will always answer national call (just as Garba Lawal does) because he's not been chased all over the place like we are doing with Okocha. How many ministers have begged Finidi not to retire?
On the national team front, Okocha is by far larger than Finidi.
When they both played for struggling teams in the EPL, Finidi's team was relegated and he followed them to division 1 and couldnt help them come up. Okocha on the other hand saved his club from the drop, sent the the Milennium stadium and got picked among the 6 best players in the league.
I'm sure you would like to see Finidi's face on Time and FIFA magazine's cover, but guess who's there. Okocha. That's so much for an 'Underachiever'

[Chief Ogbunigwe]

Finidi vs JJ

Midfielders
Finidi 1991 – 2002 (11 years)
Okocha 1993 –2004 (11 years)

Goals:
Finidi scored a total of 5 goals for the Eagles over a period of 11 years and Okocha has recorded 12 goals in the same number of years.

Passes::
I will never forget the day Burkina Suffered in 7-1 demolition in Lagos. Even though, Yekini recorded 4 goals Finidi as the star of that match supplying 2 of the crosses and scoring the 7th goals himself. The earlier version of Finidi went past his markers and laid easy tap ins for Yekini in many matches between 1991-1994. Finidi had killer passes. Nonetheless, Okocha’s greatest asset might actually be his passing ability. Starting from his home debut in 1993 when he tore Algeria’s defence to shreds setting up 2 goals and scoring 1 (in a 4-1) win, to ANC 94 when his passes destroyed Cote d’Ivoire, to 96 Olympic qualifiers (passes to Fatusi against Zimbabwe), 98 WC qualifiers Okocha (pass to Amuneke against Kenya) Okocha provided match winning passes over the year. Some UBA misinformers are quick to say Okocha has zero assists in 3 WCs but was he really expected to score for Yekini (good passes against Italy – USA 94), Kanu (sweet passes against Denmark – France 98), Babayaro (glorious cross against Sweden – 2002), Utaka (a clever through ball against Sweden – 2002), Jag (a number of lovely passes against England – WC 2002)??
In summary: a close-one but Okocha still has the edge, especially when it comes to 30-40 yard passes.

Shots::
Both players are good with shots with both feet. Okocha takes more and understandably scores more. Even with the hard luck of hitting the wood-work more than any other player in history, Okocha is still a better shooter than Finidi going by club record and national team match statistics.

Clubs & Team Impact::
A million thanks to Westerhof for helping Finidi get to Ajax. Finidi shriners will always point to his glory days at Ajax. No doubt Finidi had far more impact with that team much more than Kanu. Once Finidi left Ajax he has only succeeded in leading Real Betis and Ipswich Town to relegation. Okocha’s choice of clubs means he’s had close to zero club success. He’s always been the corner-stone of his clubs. His influence helped save Bolton from relegation and almost sent the modest club into Europe the following season. Okocha is the only Naija player (OK, Oba Martins to some extents) that have been begged by Nigerians from all walks of life to play and continue playing for Nigeria. The only players whose absence the fans and coaches say is responsible for Naija’s loss of matches. JJ’s impact on his team is so high, that I once called him the man-of-the-match specialist. He certainly makes more impact than Finidi.

Trophies & Awards: :
It’s a shame that none of the two great players had ever won Africa Player of the year. However, Okocha has been twice runner’s up with Finidi’s best showing being 3rd once. Finidi won the Champions league and a number of club medals with Ajax. They have equal number of national team trophies, 1 gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, with Okocha adding an olympic gold. There’s not much to choose between the two.

Other Intangibles:
Freekick – On many occassions, Okocha has changed the course of a match with well struck freekicks. He’s been successful for Fenebache and Bolton. He’s had a few against the bar for Nigeria, but who will ever forget that one against Cameroon at ANC 2004.
Throw-in – (Probably one of the reasons 1naija shrines Okocha) – When the going gets tough, it might just be one long throw-in into the box that will cause trouble for the opponents. Ask Brazil at 96 Olympics semi-finals.
Popularity – Only one of the two players have shrines built around the world for ‘worshipping’ him. Okocha's influence in Germany, Turkey and England is probably greater than it is in Nigeria. If you really want to test how strong this player is admired, then fix a wedding ceremony for him in some streets of Surulere and witness the grand-mother of mob response.

Ok, Papa K, I don vex. here we go:

Finidi scored a total of 5 goals for the Eagles over a period of 11 years and Okocha has recorded 12 goals in the same number of years.

I say since shriners claim JJ isnt primarily a goal-scorer (neither is Finidi), let's go by the importance of the goals:
Finidi:
-Scored on his debut against B.Faso. Well, not an important goal, since we won 7-1 anyway, but I remember reading somewhere that he had FOUR assists.
-Scored AWAY goal against Algeria that sent us to the WC in 94. I say, a VERY important goal.
- Scored a buuriful goal against Greece that sent us to the top of our group in '94 WC. Another IMPORTANT goal.
- Scored another very important scorcher of a goal (freekick?) against Morrocco during the the ANC in Lagos, when some people were busy looking for Senegalese players to elbow in order to get red carded.
I dont remember his fifth goal, but men, 3 important goals out of 5 for someone who isnt the third scoring option says a lot about how he steps up when we need him most.

Okocha has only scored 2 important goals for the SE, both against Cameroun. One in Lagos his best goal ever, and the other one during the last ANC.

I will never forget the day Burkina Suffered in 7-1 demolition in Lagos. Even though, Yekini recorded 4 goals Finidi as the star of that match supplying 2 of the crosses and scoring the 7th goals himself. The earlier version of Finidi went past his markers and laid easy tap ins for Yekini in many matches between 1991-1994. Finidi had killer passes. Nonetheless, Okocha’s greatest asset might actually be his passing ability. Starting from his home debut in 1993 when he tore Algeria’s defence to shreds setting up 2 goals and scoring 1 (in a 4-1) win, to ANC 94 when his passes destroyed Cote d’Ivoire, to 96 Olympic qualifiers (passes to Fatusi against Zimbabwe), 98 WC qualifiers Okocha (pass to Amuneke against Kenya) Okocha provided match winning passes over the year.

OK, if you are REALLY comparing, why do you limit Finidi's assists only to his debut match while listing all of Okocha's real and phantom assists? BTW, ONLY one pass became a glorious assist against Cote'dIvore, not passes as you make it seem.

It’s a shame that none of the two great players had ever won Africa Player of the year. However, Okocha has been twice runner’s up with Finidi’s best showing being 3rd once. Finidi won the Champions league and a number of club medals with Ajax. They have equal number of national team trophies, 1 gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze, with Okocha adding an olympic gold. There’s not much to choose between the two.

To that, i say OJORO MASTER. Not much to choose? so the Champions league and a number of club medals with Ajax are not significant? I see!

Throw-in [/b]– (Probably one of the reasons 1naija shrines Okocha) – When the going gets tough, it might just be one long throw-in into the box that will cause trouble for the opponents. Ask Brazil at 96 Olympics semi-finals.

We talk about throw-ins, maybe out of which only about 2 have ever resulted in anything near goal, but my learned friend forgets to talk about crosses which result into goal as often as an able man visits his wife. Hmmmm And by the way, apart from that throw against Brazil, Okocha was a passenger on that team. We have Amokachi to thank for the Olympic victory, with significant contributions from Dosu, West, Kanu and Babayaro.

Freekick – On many occassions, Okocha has changed the course of a match with well struck freekicks. He’s been successful for Fenebache and Bolton. He’s had a few against the bar for Nigeria, but who will ever forget that one against Cameroon at ANC 2004.

Make up your mind if club acheivements count here or not. Since you readily dismiss Finidi's club acheivements, lets stick to Okocha's freekicks for the SE. He has scored a total of 2 goals from free-kicks for Nigeria, both about 10 yrs apart, despite being the designated free-kick taker for a decade. Some of the highlights of his career, apart from 2 scored freekicks in 10yrs, are :
-15 wasted freekicks in a single match against sierra leone
- not knowing the difference between a direct and an indirect freekick.

Popularity – Only one of the two players have shrines built around the world for ‘worshipping’ him. Okocha's influence in Germany, Turkey and England is probably greater than it is in Nigeria. If you really want to test how strong this player is admired, then fix a wedding ceremony for him in some streets of Surulere and witness the grand-mother of mob response

Beckham is more popular worldwide than Henry or Zidane. Does that make him a better player?

Some UBA misinformers are quick to say Okocha has zero assists in 3 WCs but was he really expected to score for Yekini (good passes against Italy – USA 94), Kanu (sweet passes against Denmark – France 98), Babayaro (glorious cross against Sweden – 2002), Utaka (a clever through ball against Sweden – 2002), Jag (a number of lovely passes against England – WC 2002)??
In summary: a close-one but Okocha still has the edge, especially when it comes to 30-40 yard passes.

Maybe Yekini has something against Okocha getting assists, because somehow miraculously, he managed to score when Amunike, Amokachi or Finidi passed him. Blame everybody to fluff Okocha 's chances, but if
1. Yobo was able to go all the way from defence to get an assist against Sweden '02,
2. Finidi was able to find an open Babangida against denmark '98,
3. Amo to Ikpeba against Bulgaria '98,
4. Babangida (who?) to Oruma against Paraguay '98
5. Lawal (who?) to mutiu against Spain '98
6. uncountable assists by everyone else in '94

then Okocha should stop looking for excuses.

As for goals, the following people have scored WC goals for Nigeria:

1. yekini
2. Amo (2x)
3. Amunike (2x)
4. Finidi
5. Mutiu
6. Lawal
7. Oliseh
8. Oruma
9. babangida
10. Aghahowa

someone is conspicously missing here. Guess who? Now tell me, is it too much to ask for our so-called greatest ever to score ONE goal or even manage ONE assist in a situation whene eve the likes of Babangida and Lawal are scoring willy-nilly?
Excuses, they say, are tools of the incompetent.

Dont forget, my offer from last WC still stands...if JJ ever scores a WC goal or gene manages to get an assist, I will donate one ram, cut, cleaned and packed to you. All he needs is get just one assist (not showing his Okrika diamond T-shirt with Nkechi written on it while celebrating other people's assists and goals).

I leave you with quotes from wise people.

Okocha - The shriners will not like to hear this, but..we have overhyped JJ a lot...We must stop the self-deceit...It's such a shame, but our WFOY dream was simply a wild dream. I officially pronounce it as dead. - Shriners' CEO PaPak, Feb 2002

I agree with your stat of zero goals in 3 WCs and Okocha should take the blame. I still havent understood how he could dribble the entire Swedish defence and then miskick the ball at the last opportunity. That should have been a wonderful goal.- Shriners' CEO PaPak, Nov 2002

If you must know, I'm not satisfied with Okocha's strike rate. He could do more if he ventures into the box more often. I know other midfielders that score more than Oga, and they include Hagi, Adres Moller, Paul Scholes.- Shriners' CEO PaPak, Dec 2002

Maradona 'single-handedly' won a WC in '86, almost did it again in '90.

May be this is one of the reasons why people that bash JJ are ever more adamant - when you compare him to Maradona. JJ has not just appeared onthe scene - he's been in pro-football now for a while. So we know what he's all about, his strengths and his weaknesses. And we know that for that change you are advocating to come about, it means his entire football philosophy has to change. for a new kid on the block, it's possible. But JJ is not a new kid on the block.- Chief Goza, Shriner who has met and spoken to JJ(Nov 2002)[i/]

My gripes with JJ has always been his inability to read the field when his team loses possession. Gadfly, OZO - PHOTOGRAPHY AND VISUAL EFFECTS feb 24 2003

.... and if there is one and only one inherent weakness in JJ's game (and has been since 1993) it is that he does not score. I mean, he used his skills to create some delicious chances for himself (6 or 7 or more), as well as the chances he made for others, but Fabien Barthez was up to it each time Okocha struck. Bashers have long yabbed him for hitting the crossbar or the post. The man does everything, except score. It is a bit unfair for bashers to call him sauna bath owner (profiting from other people's sweat ), but it is true that JJ needs the others around him - THE FAN,
THE GOLDEN OGENE SHRINERS PARTNERSHIP INC. feb 24 2003

..... but even my idol Augustine Okocha continued doing certain things in spite of years in Europe. It was in 1998 (first at the World Cup, later at PSG), and YEARS and YEARS after going to Europe, that Okocha FINALLY starting to change some aspects of his game. - THE FAN

The truth is often hard to swallow, but for me JJ took the road not taken after Eintracht Frankfurt, took his eyes off football and went straight for the money in Turkey. Its all good for him, but my point is, the man is not a serious strategic player. Txj, April 2003

You sure say Oga nor go resort to showboating and trying to use his Manure team mates as decoys for his mastubatory dribbles even though score na nil-nil. Waffiman, apr 2003

Oga FAN, we all love Jay Jay but we must also be honest enough to criticise, if we say Jay Jay is one of the greatest footballers around today, then we must compare him with those who we agree are up there. It is not personal, it is just a brutal and honest analysis of the game, it is also pointing out what is still missing from Jay Jay's game in my opinion. Waffiman, apr 2003

Jay Jay showed a serious lack of tactical intelligence against Chelsea. This is one reason why he has never played for any of Europe's big teams.Waffiman, apr 2003

It takes experience to take it all in and make it all count, and that is why Zinedine Zidane is acknowledged as the best player in the world. That is why a club will spend £45m hard-earned dough on him, even if Real are in debt. Because with Zizou, you know what you will get. He is tactically and technically aware. Goza. apr 2003, on Jj vs Zidane

Waffiman,

No let dem shriners scare you. You are absolutely right, and one can say JJ did not recieve good coaching while in NIgeria. Even if it is a bit unfair to compare Bolton and Madrid, you still have to agree that JJ overelaborates, and even Allardyce has said the same thing. Tunde, April 2003

Jay Jay's tendency to over elaborate and rely on his skills instead of using all the array of weapons at his disposal to the team's benefit makes him a very frustrating player indeed...

Jay Jay's lack of this most important of qualities makes him fall short of being a truly great player. ...

Truly great players keep their opponents guessing all the time, this way, no amout of video studying or analysis by your opponents can fully negate your play. Jay Jay lacks this variety in his game but he has the talent to have any kind of play in his game. Very frustrating indeed. Waffiman, Apr 2003

Abeg Hardman, what was that wonderful quote about mastubartory dribbles again

and finally, I leave you with these:

honestly Okocha game lacks something very vital : FINISHING. - Papa K, Shriners CEO, March 13 2004

it's a sacriledge to compare JJ to (the great)Zizou - Papa K, Shriners CEO, June 16 2004

[PapaK]

Chief Ogbu:
nice try! Finidi's fifth goal was at home against Congo ANC 92 qualifier (I remember fans chanting 'No more homebased' that day).
But sir, you (like most UBA members) seem to be a study in contradiction. On one hand, you say that goal is not the responsibility of Finidi, but soon after you come down hard on Okocha for having no WC goal.
We all do agree that stats dont say it all, and that is why dont judge the greatness of any player strictly by only the number of goals scored. Nonetheless, since the most important stat in the game is goals, attackers and attacking midfielders must score goals. That's why I criticize Okocha for not scoring enough. If we look at Finidi's goals record for the SE, we must admit that he has been woeful. Even Tijani Babangida has scored more and Garba Lawal too.
Finidi has never scored a freekick for Nigeria and I have never seen him score one for club. Okocha has scored 2 for Nigeria and that probably is an indication that he's not the best in the world, but other Eagles' players of his generation just cant get the job done. Oliseh has tried without success and so had Finidi too. Give credit where it's due.
Talking about scoring important goals and standing up to be counted when it matters, I'm not surprised that you forget so quickly (afterall Bashers have selective memory), Okocha scored the very important opener against Sudan during WC 2002 Qualifier, before that he shot us ahead twice against Tunisia at ANC 2000 to calm the home team's nerves. What about the day Algeria came to Lagos to deny us a place at 94 mundial? It was Okocha's freekick that restored our hopes before he set up two other goals to announce Naija's arrival as a true force to reckon with.
Talking about passes, I chose to talk about only the passes that led to goals. Okocha's passes for the eagles is invaluable, that's why most of our opponents seek to shut down Okocha in order to beat us, because they know when he's on song, Naija can kill. By the way, what do you think it was that won him the MVP of ANC 2004?? Something Finidi couldnt achieve in 4 attempts.

[ardile]

Actually Ardile, "he" dribbled 3 Christians .. Christian Nwokocha (striker), Christian Madu (midfielder) and Christian Chukwu (defender) and "he" was late Muda Lawal.

Thanks for ur correction ma broda, na the heat wave for T.O. dey disturb ma kidney!!!

[ardile]

Dont forget, my offer from last WC still stands...if JJ ever scores a WC goal or gene manages to get an assist, I will donate one ram, cut, cleaned and packed to you. All he needs is get just one assist (not showing his Okrika diamond T-shirt with Nkechi written on it while celebrating other people's assists and goals).

My OH!!! My!!!

Una go kill man with lafta 4 hia oh!!!

Ma koligues 4 work dey think say man get Afrikan power atak the way wey I dey laf for hia!!!!

BTW, Igwe, na Baba Eleran for Ibadan go kill and clean the ram abi na Ogbuefi from Nnkpor?


Va Va Voom!!!!

[Oguleftie]

WHERE ARE THE MODERATORS.

PLEASE REMOVE THIS USELESS TOPIC.

[ardile]

"Segun sut"
"Segun sut"
"Suku nbo, Suku nbo, yio sa o!!!!"
(c) Baba Eleran


Va Va Voom!!!!

[Chief Gabtigab]

Chief Ogbunigwe,
What would the UBA do without you?. Where is PapaK now????. And all the yeye shriners?????

Instead of comparing Oga Finidi's achievement to JJ's, we should should be comparing the achievement of Garba Lawal and Nwabuike. And even here Garba Lawal has done more important and result oriented things than Nwabuike. Did I hear some one mention one WC goal and an assist vs ZILCH WC goal and ZILCH assist. Yeah, that's when real men stand up and get counted.


Now if we were talking about showboating, playing to the gallery, showboating, circus tricks, double salads, double overheads and showboating again then we all agree the JJ is the greatest ever.

Sorry guys we are talking about real competitive football here and not circus. Thanks for dropping the topic and sending apologies to the UBA.

But for time , I would personally hunt PapaK down (who knows what country he is in now) and make him do frog jumps for re introducing this topic since even the shriners can differentiate achievers from show ponies.

[khalela]

Chief Ogbunigwe,
Once again,the UBA is proud of you.