Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha. The name instantly evokes memories of dazzling dribbles, audacious passes, and goals that seemed to defy gravity. For millions of football fans across Africa and beyond, Okocha was more than just a player—he was the embodiment of flair, creativity, and the pure joy of the beautiful game.
This September, the former Nigerian international will be among the headline attendees at the second edition of the SportsBiz Africa Forum (SBA 2025) in Kigali, Rwanda. Launched last year, the Forum champions Africa’s sports industry as a key driver of sustainable socio-economic development across the continent.
Okocha’s career spanned over 15 years at the highest levels of global football. He played for clubs in Germany, Turkey, France, England, and Qatar, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went. His most memorable stints came at Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers, where his technical brilliance and unmatched creativity made him a fan favourite.
For Nigeria, Okocha earned 73 caps with the Super Eagles. He played a pivotal role in the country’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations victory, featured in three FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002), and was part of the historic team that clinched Olympic gold in Atlanta 1996. His individual honours include multiple Nigerian Footballer of the Year awards, sealing his place as one of Africa’s greatest footballing icons.
Since hanging up his boots, Okocha has remained deeply involved in sport, taking up roles in football administration, media punditry, and youth development initiatives. He has also championed causes around better sports governance and the use of football as a tool for youth empowerment and community engagement.
At SBA 2025, Okocha will reflect on his career transition as a blueprint for how professional athletes can successfully prepare for life beyond the pitch. He will also share insights on sport’s power to unlock opportunities for Africa’s youth, both on and off the field.
His participation reinforces the Forum’s mission of blending high-level industry discussions with first-hand insights from legendary athletes whose journeys continue to inspire.
A key highlight of this year’s Forum will be the Policymakers Roundtable, designed to address structural challenges hampering the continent’s sports industry. The Roundtable will work toward crafting a unified strategy aligned with the AU Sports Policy Framework and Agenda 2063, bringing together government ministers, private sector leaders, multilateral institutions, and civil society to forge sustainable solutions.
In addition, SBA 2025 will debut ‘The Dealroom’, a groundbreaking initiative connecting investors with curated, high-potential business opportunities across Africa’s sports ecosystem.
With Jay-Jay Okocha and other global icons in attendance, the SportsBiz Africa Forum is set to solidify its position as the flagship Pan-African platform advancing sport as a catalyst for investment, innovation, and socio-economic growth.
The SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025 will take place September 9–10, 2025, at the Kigali Convention Centre.
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