Nigerian football icon Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has broken his silence about his disappointing tenure as chairman of the Delta State Football Association, revealing how political interference and lack of government support forced his resignation.
The Untold Story Behind Okocha's Resignation
In a candid revelation that has gone viral on social media, the former Super Eagles captain explained that his developmental plans for Delta State football were systematically frustrated by a powerful government official. Okocha served as DFA chairman from February 2015 until his resignation two years later, a period he describes as marked by constant obstacles.
"I had a boss because, whether you like it or not, government is always your landlord," Okocha stated in the emotional video. "I had someone who was not willing to work with me, and I was a bit uncomfortable."
Personal Funds and Broken Promises
The football legend disclosed that he invested his personal resources to keep the association running during his two-year leadership. Okocha personally funded the FA Cup competitions and other association activities without receiving any government support or funding.
"He didn't understand that I was just there to help develop the game in Delta State," Okocha lamented. "I was using my money to run the FA. I did it for two years, I ran the FA Cup with my money, no funding."
The 52-year-old emphasized that his only motivation for accepting the position was to contribute to grassroots football development in his home state, not for financial gain or political recognition.
Election Victory and Administrative Challenges
Okocha's journey as Delta FA chairman began promisingly when he was elected with an overwhelming majority in February 2015, securing 26 out of 27 votes cast in an election supervised by former Borno State FA chairman Babagana Kalli.
He took over from Amaju Pinnick, who had resigned in 2014 to contest for the position of NFF president. Pinnick would later become NFF president for two terms and eventually rise to become Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Despite his stellar playing career that included winning the Africa Cup of Nations, Olympic gold, and three World Cup appearances, Okocha found football administration to be a completely different challenge.
"I didn't have the structure to attract investors or the corporate world, and I said there was no need," Okocha explained about his decision to resign. "I'm not the kind of person who would stay in a place I'm not comfortable with and just be an FA Chairman if I'm not adding value."
Legacy Beyond Administration
While his administrative career may have been short-lived, Okocha remains one of Nigeria's most celebrated footballers. His playing career included successful stints with Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton Wanderers, where he earned legendary status.
Recently, FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged Okocha's contributions to football during his 52nd birthday celebration, describing him as one of the greatest players to emerge from Africa.
The revelation about his Delta FA experience provides insight into the challenges facing sports administration in Nigeria, where political interference often hampers development initiatives led by well-meaning professionals.
