Former Super Eagles captain and Nigerian football icon, Jay Jay Okocha, has openly described his time as chairman of the Delta State Football Association (DSFA) as a failure. Okocha, who assumed the position in 2015 after retiring from professional football in 2008, reflected on his turbulent tenure during an interview on Sports Zone on Lagos Talks FM.

“I failed woefully as Delta FA chairman,” Okocha admitted candidly. “I didn’t complete my tenure; I walked away. What I saw there was not what I expected. The place was not conducive for me to work. The people I worked with had different opinions, and the best thing for me to do was to walk away, which I did.”

The legendary footballer went further to explain that systemic issues and corruption within Nigerian football administration hindered his ability to implement meaningful change. “A lot of things must be in place because I do not think the structure would allow people like us to succeed. That is the honest truth. The level of corruption in all sectors of Nigeria is too much. And if you are always around people who always have motives, it will not work,” he said.

Okocha, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers, resigned before completing his term, citing irreconcilable differences with key stakeholders. His successor, Kenneth Nwaomucha, took over as DSFA chairman in 2020.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers midfielder’s remarks highlight the challenges of transitioning from a successful playing career to administrative roles within Nigerian football. His revelation has sparked conversations about the need for structural reform and transparency in sports governance to enable progress and attract credible leaders.

Despite the setbacks, Okocha remains an influential figure in Nigerian football, with many hoping his honesty will inspire critical changes in the sport’s administration.