'Some of them were born in Europe'- Okocha on his role with the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023

Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has revealed why he has been ever-present at the Super Eagles camp at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has explained his involvement with the Super Eagles players at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Okocha and the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023

Okocha has been around the Super Eagles team since the prestigious competition kicked off about three weeks ago.

The former Bolton Wanderers star was in the stadium after the Nigerian team opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.

Okocha was seen exchanging pleasantries with the players in the tunnel after the match. However, it did not end there, as the former Super Eagles captain met with the players at their base a day later.

The highly-respecter Nigerian has now explained why he has been ever-present at the team's camp since they played their first match.

Okocha explains reason behind Super Eagles involvement at AFCON 2023

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV news, Okocha revealed he had to get involved because he needed to let the players know what it means to play for Nigeria at the AFCON.

"After I watched our first game, I had the feeling that they needed help. And as a patriotic Nigerian, I can't be here and notice something and not get involved," Okocha told Arise TV.

"I could see in terms of leadership, in terms of motivation, in terms of letting the players understand what it means to play for your nation in the Africa Nations Cup because of these players are not familiar roots and were born in Europe," Okocha continued.

"So they needed someone that I've been there, that have done it to remind them this is a different competition.

"This is a different ball game than what they are used to in Europe," he added.

Okocha's involvement and advice have worked for the team as the three-time African champions are just one win away from playing in another AFCON final.

The Super Eagles will play South Africa in the semi-final, knowing a win will take them to their first final since they won it in 2013.