Okocha's emotional testimonial

By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Nigeria

Fans paid tribute to the former Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha

Over 20,000 fans paid tribute to former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha on Thursday at a testimonial game.

Okocha, who twice won the BBC African Footballer of the Year award, was retiring after 18 years in football.

Despite torrential rainfall a big crowd witnessed a star-studded game that saw a Super Eagles XI beat a World XI 2-1.

Stars including Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, El-Hadji Diouf and Benjani Mwaruwari all played in the game at the Warri Township stadium in Delta State.

The 34-year-old Okocha played for both sides during the match and scored for the Super Eagles XI, which also included Taribo West and John Utaka.

Portsmouth's Kanu scored the opening goal of the game in the fifth minute as he beat Alloy Agu, the former Standard Liege goalkeeper.

Former Everton striker Daniel Amokachi made it 1-1 for the World XI to send the fans into raptures.

Okocha himself then stepped up the tempo of the game in the dying seconds to score for the winner as the Super Eagles won the game 2-1.

OKOCHA'S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS 75 caps for Nigeria, 14 goals 1994 Nations Cup winner 1996 Olympic Gold Medal winner 2003, 2004 BBC African Footballer of the Year

"It's a day of joy considering the achievements and adoration in my football career but also one of sadness as I am leaving a game that brought me fame and fortune," an emotional Okocha said after the match.

"I thank the clubs and fans where I have played as well as team-mates and of course the Nigerian public for their love and support throughout my career."

The World XI, managed by Austin Eguavoen included Celestine Babayaro, Yousuf Fofana, John Fashanu, Lucas Radebe, Mohammed Kallon, Victor Ikpeba, Carlton Cole and Abdoulaye Traore.

Former Nigerian captain Okocha announced his retirement from international football after the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt February 2006.

Current Super Eagles coach, Shaibu Amodu, who coached Okocha at the 2002 Nations Cup in Mali, was full of praise for the talented midfielder.

"Okocha is a model professional on the pitch, on the training field and off the pitch," Amodu said.

"The national team have missed him as he has such a huge influence in big games.

"The fact that the stadium is packed is a total reflection of how much he is loved in the country."

Former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain Radebe revealed that he had to leave his sick wife behind in South Africa to honour Okocha.

"I pleaded seriously with my wife to let me be here. Okocha was a recognised maestro in African football and the continent will surely miss him," he said.

Other players, who turned out in support of the Nigerian were Garba Lawal, Julius Aghahowa, Taye Taiwo, Obinna Nsofor, Obinna Nwaneri, Danny Shittu, Vincent Enyeama, Osaze Odemwingie, Kalu Uche and Wilson Oruma.

After footing the bills for the testimonial, the Delta State government in south-western Nigeria have also renamed the Ogwashi-Ukwu stadium the Jay-Jay Okocha Stadium.