Coman names Okocha as his inspiration

France winger, Kingsley Coman, has said that Super Eagles legend, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, inspired his love for Bolton Wanderers. He called Okocha his favourite player after Brazilian star Ronaldinho, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Coman shared this during a chat with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand on social media. He recalled how Okocha’s time at Bolton made him a fan of the club when he was younger.

“The thing was that in the summer if you say any name, it could be an issue for them,” Coman explained.

“But then, I liked Bolton because of Okocha, and I said, ‘Okay, this is the team that came to me.’ He was the only player I knew at the time in the team. But he was the player I liked the most after Ronaldinho.”

Okocha joined Bolton in 2002 on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Coman also played for PSG before moving to Juventus in Italy. During his four years at Bolton, Okocha wowed fans with his skills. He helped the club avoid relegation in his first season, and his old boss, Sam Allardyce, praised his big impact.

Allardyce, who was Okocha’s manager at Bolton, later called him the best player he ever coached. This shows how much respect Okocha earned from those who worked with him.

Coman said Okocha’s flair and the joy he gave fans made a lasting impression on him.

“The skill, the style. I was the type of player that looked not just at the skill but the energy and the feeling you give people when you play,” he stated.

Ferdinand also spoke about his respect for Okocha’s skills, even though he played as a defender. This highlights how Okocha influenced many players of his time. Many still remember his time in English football as a great example of flair and fun on the field.