Okocha Reacts to Viral Picture of Him Carrying Child Fans Claim Is WAFCON Star Esther Okoronkwo
- Jay Jay Okocha has reacted to claims that he carried Esther Okoronkwo on his shoulders at Reebok Stadium in 2005
- Okoronkwo scored two goals and six assists at the recently concluded 2025 WAFCON in Morocco
- The 28-year-old AFC Toronto forward inspired Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title scoring a penalty assisting Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser
Nigerian legend Jay Jay Okocha has reacted to claims that he carried eight-year-old Esther Okoronkwo on his shoulders at the Reebok Stadium in 2005.
Okoronkwo (28) was part of the Super Falcons squad that won a 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco on Saturday night (July 26).
Despite trailing 2-0 in the first half against the hosts, she scored to reduce the deficit and provided vital assists to Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini.
Source: Getty Images
The Toronto AFC forward earned the Player of the Match Award, and the social media space was awash with posts about her.
One of those was from an X user, @BobMfonmma, who shared a photograph of Okocha carrying a child and added the caption:
“Jay Jay Okocha with 8-year-old Esther Okoronkwo at the Reebok Stadium in 2005. Anointed from childhood!"
However, the Nigerian legend was unimpressed with the claims and dismissed the narrative. Speaking to The Punch, he commented:
“That’s nonsense. This is my son."
The attention surrounding Okoronkwo came after her two goals and six assists at the recently concluded 2025 WAFCON in Morocco.
Initially a substitute in Nigeria’s first two matches, she joined the starting team from the third game against Algeria through to the final.
This is the country's 10th continental title, according to FIFA, adding to wins in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
Source: Getty Images
Osimhen joins Super Falcons WAFCON celebrations
Meanwhile, Super Eagles and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen joined Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala in celebrations as Nigeria claimed their 10th WAFCON title.
Starting on the back foot, the Nigerian women's national football team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 at Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday night.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time after goals by Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, the Falcons fired back through Okoronkwo, Ijamilusi, and Echegini, sealing a historic victory.
Right after the game, the celebrations were electric, with Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala sharing a joyous FaceTime call with her men's counterpart Victor Osimhen.
According to CAF, the WAFCON tournament's bronze medal playoff saw Ghana secure third place over South Africa 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
President Tinubu hails Super Falcons
Legit.ng also reported that President Bola Tinubu congratulated the Super Falcons for winning the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the 10th time in the history of the prestigious tournament.
The president's message came in a statement signed by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shortly after the team secured its victory in the competition final on Saturday (July 26).
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
