This debate resurfaced with the statement from Samuel Eto'o, anyone who grew up watching football in viewing centres or was a part of those who gathered every morning around newspaper stands, would have one point bought the statement of "Na Okocha teach Ronaldinho Ball." This statement just like many others such as *India beat Nigeria 99-1, Ball turn to Lion, Okwraji die after he kick ball*, gained momentum, and were passed down to generations due to several reasons and not limited to absence of fact checking, coincidence in the events, and others. The 99-1 debate was strengthened due to two major reasons; Okwaraji collapsed on the pitch, also India haven't featured in international tournaments.

The Okocha teaching Ronaldinho how to play football grew to be a 'believeable story' due to certain reasons such as

¶ Both players played together at PSG

¶ During a meeting after the pair had retired, Ronaldinho sent a tweet with a picture alongside Okocha and Carlo Valderrama with a caption "Only Shirt 10 that I always admired.

¶ Also, during an interview, Okocha was quoted to have said, “Ronaldinho tried to imitate some of my skills and dribbles, he was still a young player before I left for England, and he joined Barcelona,” Okocha told ‘On-time sports, per AS.

All these reinforced the believe in the minds of some Nigerians and Africans that, Okocha na him teach Ronaldinho ball.

Statistically, Okocha was never at any point in time on the same wavelength as 'Dinho; 'Dinho scored 238 goals for club and country, Okocha on the other hand 103 goals for club and country. On a personal level, Ronaldinho went on to rule the world, Okocha on the other hand could only manage to be named BBC African Footballer of the year.

Anyone who watched Okocha and Ronaldinho play (plus clips available) will no doubt agree that both players during their playing days made football lively. Okocha was a delight to watch, one who will take opponents to the cleaners. Okocha in 1993 scored one of the greatest goal in Football's history, when he danced through the defence of Karlsruher, and turned the great Oliver Kahn to a toy, before putting the ball in the back of the net.Ronaldinho on the other hand is a god. 'Dinho is the definition of class, and an all-round player. He moved quickly away from players like they never existed, and he had opposing fans giving him a standing ovation.

The difference between Okocha and Ronaldinho is clear. Okocha with all of his brilliance never had much impact in a game, Okocha dribbled and dazzled to the delight of fans and viewers and often times didn't impact on the scoreline. I will describe Ronaldinho as Okocha Pro Max, 'Dinho took it a step further with goals, assists and having great impacts on the outcome of games. Okocha himself couldn't find a answer to the reason why he never played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, despite his talent. Okocha during his peak was at Bolton (fighting relegation in his first season). Ronaldinho during interviews and meetings has voiced his admiration for Okocha. In most interviews, he's credited his brother, Aziz, as the one who inspired him and made him do things with football. Also, learning from the streets of Brazil.


Okocha was a delight to watch during his playing days. Ronaldinho on the other hand had much impact on games.