WORLD football governing body, the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), has reaffirmed that Nigerian football legend, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha still holds the record for the most successful dribbles in a single FIFA World Cup match.
FIFA said Okocha feat of 15 successful dribbles during Nigeria’s Round of 16 encounter against the Italy at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States (U) remained unmatched over three decades later.
The football governing body stated that the record remained unequalled and unrivalled, despite the emergence of several world-class dribblers over the years.
The former Super Eagles captain achieved the feat against a formidable Italian side that featured renowned stars, such as Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini.
Former Brazilian forward, Jairzinho, and former England midfielder, Paul Gascoigne, are joint second on the list with 13 successful dribbles in a single World Cup match.
Other legendary players recognised among the competition’s greatest dribblers include Eusebio, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and Jamal Musiala.
The football body also stated that Lionel Messi holds the record for the most successful dribbles across all World Cup appearances with 125, while Maradona remains the player with the highest number of successful dribbles in a single tournament, recording 53 during the 1986 World Cup.
The recognition further cements Okocha’s status as one of the most skilful footballers in World Cup history and one of Nigeria’s most celebrated sports personalities.
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