Okocha Receives Special FIFA Recognition For Spain Masterclass At France ’98 World Cup

Super Eagles legend Augustine Okocha has been presented with a special “Superior Player of the Match” award for his outstanding performance in Nigeria’s famous 3-2 win over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

Okocha revealed the silver trophy in a video shared on his Instagram page on Thursday, June 11, opening a custom-made case containing the award.

“Hello, this is JJ Okocha. I’m about to unveil this special award being given to me by FIFA,” the 52-year-old said.

“It was given to me for winning the Man of the Match in a World Cup game, Nigeria versus Spain 1998.

“Special thank you to Michelob ULTRA and Copa90 for this amazing recognition. I’m so honoured to receive it.”

The award is part of a joint initiative by Michelob ULTRA and Copa90 aimed at recognising exceptional individual performances from FIFA World Cups before the official Player of the Match award was introduced in 2002.

Organisers said they examined historical records and match archives to identify players whose displays deserved formal recognition across hundreds of World Cup fixtures.

Okocha’s award comes nearly three decades after one of the most memorable matches in Nigerian football history.

The Super Eagles arrived at the tournament as outsiders and were given little chance against a Spanish side packed with stars, including Raúl González, Fernando Hierro, Luis Enrique, Fernando Morientes, Santiago Cañizares and legendary goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta.

Nigeria entered the game on the back of three straight friendly defeats, losing 1-0 to Germany, 3-0 to the former Yugoslavia and 5-1 to the Netherlands.

However, the Super Eagles produced a stunning display in Nantes, inspired by Okocha’s brilliance in midfield.

Spain took the lead through Hierro’s free-kick before Mutiu Adepoju headed in a corner from Garba Lawal to level the scores.

Raúl restored Spain’s advantage early in the second half, but Nigeria hit back when Zubizarreta turned Lawal’s cross into his own net.

With 12 minutes remaining, Sunday Oliseh completed the comeback with a superb volley after a Spanish defender headed Okocha’s long throw into his path.

Okocha ran the show throughout the game, tormenting Spanish defenders with his skill, movement and passing as Nigeria claimed one of the greatest victories in their World Cup history.

The Super Eagles went on to reach the round of 16 alongside Paraguay, while Spain and Bulgaria were eliminated from the tournament.