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Netizens hammer Allardyce for describing Okocha as David Beckham of Africa

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Some Nigerians and football fans on social media have turned the heat on former England coach Sam Allardyce over some comments he made regarding the brilliance of former Nigerian footballer Austine Jay Jay Okocha.

Sam Allardyce, who worked with Okocha at Bolton Wanderers, made a comment which he viewed as an appreciation of Okocha’s incredible talent.

In a Sky Sports interview, Sam Allardyce referred to Okocha as the African version of Manchester United and England legend David Beckham.

“He was the [David] Beckham of Africa,” Sam Allardyce said during the interview.

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Sam Allardyce also expressed shock that Okocha did not feature for any of the top clubs in the Premier League.

“To this day, [I am] massively surprised that it wasn’t the Man Uniteds, or the Arsenals, or the Chelseas, or the Man Citys, or the Liverpools that didn’t come in and sign him, particularly on a free transfer.

“Jay-Jay mastered the fact that when the trick came, it was the right time to do it, in the right place. Don’t do it at the edge of our box in case you don’t get it right.”

His comments, which were intended to be a positive appraisal of Okocha, have been rejected by some Nigerians who believe that Okocha was a better footballer than Beckham.

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While there are no contestations over which one of the two had a better career, they differed from Sam Allardyce’s claim that stylistically both players were similar.

Okocha joined Bolton in 2003 and spent four seasons at the club, where he became a cult hero.

Read the comments below:

He was better than Dinho. What’s he on about Beckham. They rate their players so much these English guys

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— Enkidu (@nkrumahboateng)

Was he bollocks, he was leagues above Beckham for ability, Beckham made a career crossing balls and taking free kicks. Okocha’s all round game was at a different level.

— Richard Atherton (@rmabolton)

What a player, pure natural ability and skill. Not many players possess what he had. Ronaldonho maybe but Jay Jay was a pleasure to watch

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— Borgy (@__Borgy__)

Okocha was far far better than Beckham.

— Brian O’Flaherty (@Flatsy1)

No, Sam. He was the Jay-Jay Okocha of Africa. And had far more skill than Beckham.

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— COUNTRYfive (@Iamstill_les)

Disrespectful. Okocha was better

— GOOD CITIZEN (@OchaduAchadu)

David Beckham? I think he ment ” He was the Ronaldinhoo of Africa”? 😉

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— Mike H (@Mikehiyab)

Beckam was the JJ of England

— Baba Lungile (@SirSfc)

David Beckham wasnt skiilled

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— sonderkommando (@255Charming)

He was nothing like David Beckham.

— Dave (@KawidDubica69)

Was David Beckham as skilful as this? 🙄😒
Joe Cole is the only English player who was a little bit close to him. Beckham has no skills at all.

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— ‘Kanmi Bhadmus (@MrGabby008)

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Sports

Dede Ayew Breaks Silence on Calls for Him to Contest GFA Presidency

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Former Black Stars captain André “Dede” Ayew has responded to growing calls for him to consider contesting for the presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The discussion surrounding Ayew’s possible move into football administration gained attention after some football personalities and observers suggested that his extensive experience could make him a suitable candidate for the position.

However, Ayew has indicated that becoming GFA president is not currently his focus.

The former Ghana captain’s comments come after sports journalist Dan Kwaku Yeboah argued that Ayew’s long career in professional football had given him valuable experience that could potentially qualify him for a future leadership role within Ghanaian football.

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Ayew has spent much of his career at the highest level of the game, representing clubs in different countries and competing in major international competitions with the Black Stars. He has also served as captain of Ghana’s senior national team, a role that exposed him to different aspects of football management, leadership and player relations.

Despite this experience, Ayew appears to be keeping his attention away from the GFA presidency for the time being.

His response is likely to ease some of the speculation surrounding his political or administrative ambitions within Ghanaian football. While supporters may see him as a potential future leader of the association, there has been no indication that he is preparing to launch a campaign for the position.

The debate over Ayew’s possible GFA presidency comes at a time when discussions about the future direction of Ghana football remain prominent.

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Some football enthusiasts believe former players can bring valuable perspectives to football administration because of their direct experience on the field. Others argue that leadership of the association requires a broad understanding of administration, governance, finance and the development of football structures.

Ayew’s career gives him considerable knowledge of the game. He has played alongside and against some of the world’s leading footballers and has experienced different football systems during his time abroad.

His years with the Black Stars have also made him one of the most recognisable figures in Ghanaian football.

Nevertheless, the 36-year-old has not indicated that he intends to immediately transition from playing football into administration.

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His latest comments therefore suggest that, for now, the possibility of contesting the GFA presidency remains a matter of public discussion rather than an announced personal ambition.

The former captain has enjoyed a distinguished international career, having represented Ghana at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cup competitions. His leadership of the national team has also made him an influential figure among Ghanaian football supporters.

Calls for him to enter football administration are therefore likely to continue, particularly as the country discusses how to improve the management and development of the sport.

For now, however, Ayew’s position appears clear: he is not currently focused on pursuing the presidency of the Ghana Football Association.

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Whether his stance changes in the future remains uncertain. His extensive experience means he could potentially play a role in football administration if he chooses to do so after his playing career.

For the moment, the former Black Stars captain has chosen to distance himself from the speculation, leaving the conversation about his possible GFA presidency as one for the future.

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FIFA releases 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff fixtures-See List

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Ghana and South Africa have discovered their opponents in the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament following Thursday’s draw in Zurich, Switzerland.

The two African nations are among six teams that will compete in the preliminary phase for places in the final phase of the intercontinental playoffs. The others are Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei.

The draw, sighted on FIFA’s website on Sunday, was held at the body’s headquarters in Zurich on August 20, 2026.

There are three groups of two teams, with each team scheduled to play three matches.

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Full draw
Group A

Uzbekistan
South Africa

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Georgina Rodríguez Formally Adopts Husband Cristiano Ronaldo’s Three Older Children

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Georgina Rodríguez has initiated legal proceedings to formally adopt her husband, football star Cristiano Ronaldo’s, three older children.

The step comes shortly after the couple officially tied the knot in a private wedding ceremony.

According to reports from Portuguese media, Rodríguez is completing the necessary legal paperwork out of the public eye to be officially recognized as the mother of the children.

Before the couple began their relationship in 2016, Ronaldo welcomed his first son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., in 2010, followed by twins Eva Maria and Mateo in June 2017.

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Rodríguez later gave birth to their first shared biological child, Alana Martina, in late 2017, and their daughter Bella Esmeralda in 2022. She has long maintained a close relationship with all the children, raising them alongside her own.

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