Okocha: ‘That goal against Kahn changed my life’

Former Super Eagles captain Augustine Okocha has recalled how his famous solo goal against former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn transformed his career during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Okocha said the goal, which saw him dribble past Kahn before calmly finding the net, was the moment he began attracting international recognition.

READ ALSO: Arbeloa backs Bassey for Fulham leadership role

Speaking on the Obi-Wan podcast on Monday, the former Nigeria international said Kahn was enjoying one of the best periods of his career at the time, shortly before his move to Bayern Munich.

“It was Oliver Kahn, and he was having his best season,” Okocha said.

“That goal changed my life. That was when I gained recognition outside Germany.”

The goal was widely replayed on television across Europe despite being scored before the rise of social media and remains one of the most memorable moments of Okocha’s career.

The former midfielder explained that he held onto the ball longer than he initially intended because he was searching for the right opportunity to shoot.

“I didn’t mean to hold onto it that long. Whenever I want to shoot, I see somebody in front, so I was just trying to find the right moment to shoot,” he said.

Okocha also revealed that his Frankfurt manager later joked that his future at the club depended on whether the attempt found the back of the net.

“The saving grace was it did go in, because even the manager told me, had he been there, I didn’t score that goal, as long as he remains manager of this team, you will never play again,” he recalled.

Although Okocha has met Kahn since then, he said they have never discussed the iconic moment.

“I’ve met him, but you don’t want to discuss that. He’s a big lad, and he never smiles,” Okocha joked.

Okocha rose to prominence at Eintracht Frankfurt before going on to play for Fenerbahçe, Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers, establishing himself as one of Africa’s most celebrated attacking midfielders.