Augustine Okocha Receives FIFA Special Recognition for 1998 World Cup Masterclass
Super Eagles icon Augustine Okocha has been honoured with a special “Superior Player of the Match” award for his brilliant display in Nigeria’s famous 3‑2 win over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
The former midfielder unveiled the silver trophy in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, 11 June, showing a custom‑made case that houses the award.
“Hello, this is JJ Okocha. I’m about to unveil this special award being given to me by FIFA,” the 52‑year‑old said.
“It was presented to me for being named Man of the Match in the World Cup clash, Nigeria versus Spain, 1998.”
He thanked Michelob ULTRA and Copa90 for the recognition, saying he felt truly honoured.
About the Michelob ULTRA and Copa90 Initiative
The award forms part of a joint project by Michelob ULTRA and Copa90 that seeks to recognise outstanding individual performances from FIFA World Cups held before the official Player of the Match accolade was introduced in 2002.
Organisers reviewed historical records and match archives to identify players whose contributions deserved formal acknowledgement across hundreds of World Cup fixtures.
Remembering the 1998 Nigeria‑Spain Encounter
Nearly three decades have passed since one of the most memorable matches in Nigerian football history took place in Nantes.
The Super Eagles arrived in France as underdogs, facing a star‑laden Spanish side that included Raúl González, Fernando Hierro, Luis Enrique, Fernando Morientes, Santiago Cañizares and legendary goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta.
Nigeria came into the game after three consecutive friendly defeats – a 1‑0 loss to Germany, a 3‑0 reverse against the former Yugoslavia and a 5‑1 setback versus the Netherlands.
Nevertheless, the Eagles produced a stunning performance, driven by Okocha’s midfield brilliance.
Spain opened the scoring through a Hierro free‑kick, but Mutiu Adepoju headed in a corner from Garba Lawal to level the match.
Raúl restored Spain’s lead early in the second half, only for Nigeria to equalise when Zubizarreta inadvertently turned Lawal’s cross into his own net.
With twelve minutes left, Sunday Oliseh sealed the comeback with a sublime volley after a Spanish defender headed Okocha’s long throw into his path.
Throughout the contest, Okocha tormented the Spanish defence with his skill, movement and passing, helping Nigeria secure one of its greatest World Cup victories.
The Super Eagles advanced to the round of 16 alongside Paraguay, while Spain and Bulgaria were eliminated from the tournament.
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