Alex Iwobi says the best advice from his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha taught him to play with freedom and without fear throughout his career
Fulham attacking midfielder Alex Iwobi has credited his uncle, Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, for giving him the most impactful advice in his professional career.
The 29-year-old former Arsenal player revealed during an interview on The High Performance Podcast that Okocha encouraged him to play freely and without fear on the pitch.
“He said to me, express yourself. Don’t be afraid to express yourself,” Iwobi explained. “I got it from my uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha. He said it to me once, and I literally just watched how he lived his life.”
Iwobi described feeling fortunate to have Okocha as his uncle, adding that he learned both on and off the pitch by observing his career and approach to the game.
The midfielder’s comments highlight the enduring influence of Nigerian football icons on the next generation of players, inspiring confidence and creativity in competitive matches.
