Okocha Dismisses Viral Claim of Carrying Esther Okoronkwo at Reebok Stadium in 2005

Former Super Eagles captain Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha has refuted a viral social media claim suggesting that he once carried a young Esther Okoronkwo on his shoulders at the Reebok Stadium in 2005.

The claim resurfaced after Okoronkwo’s standout performance in Nigeria’s dramatic comeback victory over Morocco in the 2024 WAFCON final. The 28-year-old forward scored a crucial penalty, provided two assists, and was named Player of the Match as Nigeria clinched their 10th continental title.

Following the win, a post by X user #BobMfonmma circulated online showing a throwback image of Okocha with a child on his shoulders. The caption read: “Jay Jay Okocha with 8-year-old Esther Okoronkwo at the Reebok Stadium in 2005. Anointed from childhood!”

However, when contacted by PUNCH Online for clarification, Okocha dismissed the claim outright.

“That’s nonsense. This is my son,” he stated, debunking the idea that the child in the photo was Okoronkwo.

Okocha played for Bolton Wanderers from 2002 to 2006, during which time the photo was likely taken.

Since the start of WAFCON, Okoronkwo has won over fans with her exceptional performances—scoring two goals and providing six assists. After coming off the bench in Nigeria’s first two matches and making an impact, she earned a place in the starting XI from the third game against Algeria through to the final.