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Former Super Eagles Midfielder, Austin Okocha, has explained why he didn’t play for top clubs during his playing career.
The former Super Eagles captain confirmed he had offers from big teams, but turned them down because of low wages.
Okocha is regarded as one of the most talented players from the continent of Africa, and football export to Europe, but he never played for of the biggest sides.
He retired from the round leather game in 2008, after playing for Borussia Neunkirchen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris St Germain, Bolton Wanderers, Hull City, and Qatar SC.
“It was not easy for an African player to play for top clubs because they don’t pay high wages,” Okocha said on Arise TV when he was asked about his career choice.
“When they offer you a contract, the money is small because they see it as doing you a favor.
“That is why I went for clubs that are ready to pay me higher. I had to turn down some offers from big clubs because of wage issues.
“But things have changed now, as Africans and Nigerians get bigger contracts overseas.”
Despite his talents, Okocha didn’t win the African Footballer of the Year award, losing to Mustapha Hadji in 1998 and Samuel Eto’o in 2003.
Although he did win the BBC African Player of the Year twice and the AFCON golden boot.
Okocha however admits his career choice affected his chances of winning the most prestigious
accolade.
