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Mikel Arteta: What Arsenal coach said about JJ Okocha and Haruna Babangida

Arteta

Soccer

Soccer Mikel Arteta: What Arsenal coach said about JJ Okocha and Haruna Babangida

Coach of FC Arsenal Mikel Arteta. Copyright: Passion2Press/MarkusxFischerxImago

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has lifted the lid on his former teammates as he singles out Jay-Jay Okocha and Haruna Babangida, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The Spaniard, who enjoyed spells at PSG, Barcelona and Rangers before moving to the Premier League, shared the revelations in a fun interview with Sport Bible, where he answered quick-fire questions about his past dressing room experiences.

Per the former Arsenal player, Okocha is one of the most skillful players he has ever played with, while cheekily naming Babangida as the worst-dressed.

Watch the video here:

Mikel Arteta ️

Jay-Jay Okocha

Haruna Babangida pic.twitter.com/dcXQLT27lJ

— Olúwashínà Okeleji (@oluwashina) August 23, 2025

Soccer Okocha Among the Most Skillful Ever

When asked to pick the most skillful teammate of his career, Arteta couldn’t decide between Ronaldinho and Austin Okocha.

Soccer Ronaldinho and Jay-Jay Okocha
Ronaldinho and Jay-Jay Okocha (Photo by Imago)

The former PSG midfielder said both men had extraordinary ability with the ball. The Nigerian flair clearly made a lasting impression on Arteta, who could not separate the two.

Soccer Babangida Called Out for Fashion Blunder

Arteta was less complimentary when the questions turned to fashion. Jokingly, Arteta named Babangida, the Nigerian winger who came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, as the worst-dressed teammate he encountered.

Soccer Haruna Babangida
Haruna Babangida Copyright: imago/PanoramiC

Soccer Arteta’s Current Focus at Arsenal

On the pitch, Arteta remains firmly locked in on the present. Fresh from guiding Arsenal to a crucial victory over Manchester United, the Spaniard has urged his players to build on that momentum as the Gunners prepare to face Leeds United in their next Premier League outing.

Soccer Mikel Arteta coach of Arsenal
Mikel Arteta coach of Arsenal (Photo by Imago)

Sitting 7th with three points, the Gunners will be chasing another three points, but with the absence of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus. Although new signing Viktor Gyökeres is expected to show a positive performance in the game.

Soccer Ayomide Oguntimehin


Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.

Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

Read MoreAyomide Oguntimehin

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