Okocha and Mikel Explain How “Jay Jay” and “Mikel” Became Their Official Names

Former Super Eagles captains Austin Jay Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel have explained how their famous names came about during a conversation on the Obi One Podcast. Okocha said “Jay Jay” was originally linked to his younger brother, James. People in their neighbourhood used it to distinguish him from other football-playing Austins, and he later adopted the easier-to-pronounce name when he travelled abroad. It is now officially included in his passport. Mikel said his name changed from Michael to Mikel after an administrative error at an Under-17 tournament. His shirt was printed with “Mikel,” and after a successful tournament, he decided to keep the name and later made it official.

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