Arsenal legend names Okocha as most underrated player in EPL history

Jay Jay Okocha celebrating during action for Eintracht Frankfurt [Photo credit/IMAGO]

Former Super Eagles and Bolton Wanderers star Austin Okocha enjoyed a glittering playing career built on flair and pure entertainment in his days, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 1996 Olympic gold medallist is widely regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time and featured for several top European clubs during his career, representing the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe and Paris Saint-Germain during the early stages of his career.

In 2002, the former Super Eagles captain made the move to the English Premier League, joining Bolton Wanderers after his contract had expired at PSG. He reached an entirely different level at the Trotters and immediately became a fan favourite with his performances and impact on the pitch.

The former Nigerian star is considered by many as the greatest player in Bolton’s history, despite falling short of winning any major silverware, with his closest attempt coming in the 2003–04 League Cup final, where Bolton finished runners-up to Middlesbrough.

In his debut season, Okocha played a key role in helping Bolton avoid relegation from the Premier League. He was also instrumental in their highest-ever top-flight finish, as the club secured sixth place in the 2004–05 season.

Okocha spent four years at Bolton and cemented his status as one of the best players in the history of the club. While his numbers did not always reflect his influence, he remains one of the most naturally gifted players in the history of the Premier League with his flair and playmaking skills.

Speaking on The Overlap, Arsenal legend Ian Wright joined the debate on the most underrated player in Premier League history and picked Okocha as his choice, saying the Nigerian great deserved much recognition for his performances at Bolton.

“Jay-Jay Okocha,” Wright said when asked who he believes is the most underrated player in EPL history.

“He should have got much more love. Bolton!”

Okocha eventually left Bolton in 2006, first moving to Qatar SC in the Middle East. He later returned to England to join Hull City in the Championship, where he spent a brief spell before retiring from professional football.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin