TheCable

Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has said that he will support Cameroon at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia in June.

“It’s a shame that Nigeria didn’t qualify, so instead I’ll support Cameroon,” the retired Nigerian midfielder told FIFA.com.

“The champions of each continent are playing at the Confederations Cup, so there’ll be a very high standard of football,” he said.

“There will be supporters from all over the world, but Russia will have the best support. Football has an important place in Russia. I often come across Russians and they’re all interested in football.”

Okocha noted that the lush green grass of Kazan, one of the host stadia, was so impressive that he was tempted to dust off his playing boots.

“I’m really impressed with what I saw in Kazan! I even thought for a moment about starting to play football again when I was at the Kazan Arena,” he said.

“I’d really like to perform at this stadium. Alas, my career is behind me, but I’ll be delighted if Nigeria get to play matches here at Russia 2018.”

He also harped on the hospitality of Russians, saying, “I felt the hospitality and friendliness from the moment I stepped off the plane”.

“Nigerian footballers who have played in Russia improved their ability here. And, of course, Russian cooking – your chefs are really great.

“I’m friends with Igor Yanovsky from when we played together at PSG and he suggested a few Russian dishes to me. I really love borsch,” Okocha said.