The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has shared a remarkable story about how Nigeria’s footballing legend, Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha, once earned him an unexpected discount in the United States.
Bishop Kukah recalled walking into a shop in New York many years ago to buy what he described as a modest shirt. According to him, the encounter turned memorable when the shop attendant realized he was Nigerian.
In a video shared by Channels Television from 18:45, he stated, “I went to a shop in New York. I bought a shirt. I remember it was a very cheap shirt. I think it was $40 or so. I went to the counter. The man looked at my card. He said, ‘Where are you from?’ I said, ‘I’m from Nigeria.’ He said, ‘I’m taking off $10 because of JJ Okocha,’” Bishop Kukah recounted.
The story, light-hearted yet telling, highlights the profound impact of sports in shaping Nigeria’s global image. Okocha, widely celebrated for his dazzling skills and creativity on the pitch, continues to evoke admiration beyond football circles, decades after his retirement.
Bishop Kukah, renowned for his outspokenness on national issues, used the anecdote to emphasize how cultural ambassadors, including sportsmen, artists, and thinkers, help project the country positively abroad. See, More, Here>>>
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