Okocha Reveals Why Nigerian Players Succeed More Than South Africans In Europe

Former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha has said the main difference between Nigerian and South African footballers playing in Europe is ambition and the willingness to leave one’s comfort zone.

Nigeria has produced many players who have made a name for themselves in Europe’s top leagues, including England, Spain, Germany and Italy. Nigerian footballers continue to perform for several clubs across the continent.

One of the most prominent examples is Victor Osimhen, who has played for Lille OSC, SSC Napoli and Galatasaray, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in modern football.

Another Nigerian star attracting attention in Europe is Ademola Lookman, who is currently performing well at Atletico Madrid after previously shining for Atalanta, where he helped the team win the UEFA Europa League in 2024.

Despite the strong presence of Nigerian players in Europe, footballers from South Africa are less visible in the continent’s top five leagues.

Speaking during a radio programme in South Africa, Okocha explained that ambition and determination are important for players who want to succeed at the highest level.

“First of all, you must have the desire to become the best version of yourself,” Okocha said.

“For you to make a name for yourself globally, you must get out of your comfort zone, and this is the problem.”

The Nigerian legend, who played club football in Germany, Turkey, France and England during his career, also spoke about the challenges players face when moving abroad.

“It is my opinion that South African players are too comfortable at home. That drive is not really there,” he said.

“But we Nigerians, we’re very ambitious people. We like to challenge ourselves. Of course, when you come to a country like Germany, you have to try to socialise and understand the culture of the people.”

He added that adapting to a new environment is important for footballers who want to succeed in Europe.

“You have to be willing to learn the language and just learn in general. It’s a lot easier if you have people who mentor you, but it’s also about how you present yourself.”

“If you show that you’re willing to learn, then your stay will be a lot easier. My advice is just to be open and make sure you have that hunger and desire to become the best version of yourself.”

Okocha also praised the development of South African football, especially the strength of the country’s domestic league.

He said strong investment in the Premier Soccer League has helped the country produce competitive players for the South Africa national football team.

“It’s happy days for South African football, and it’s well deserved because they worked for it,” Okocha said.

“They invested in the local league, and they are reaping the rewards of it because most of these players are playing in the local league.”

He added that the strength of the South African league deserves recognition, even though he believes more players should consider moving abroad.

“That’s the impressive part of it because it shows how strong the South African league is, even though I think that you need to have more players playing in Europe. But of course, you have to appreciate the work and the way things have worked out for South African football.”