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World football governing body, FIFA, has once again confirmed that Nigerian football legend, Jay-Jay Okocha, still holds the record for the highest number of successful dribbles completed in a single FIFA World Cup match.
According to FIFA, Okocha recorded 15 successful dribbles during Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against Italy at the 1994 FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States.
The remarkable achievement has remained unbeaten for more than 30 years.
The former Super Eagles skipper produced the historic display against a strong Italian team that included football stars such as Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini.
FIFA noted that despite the rise of several elite dribblers over the years, no player has managed to surpass Okocha’s record in a single World Cup game.
Former Brazil forward Jairzinho and ex-England midfielder Paul Gascoigne currently share second place on the list after each recorded 13 successful dribbles in separate World Cup matches.
Other iconic footballers recognised among the tournament’s greatest dribblers include Eusebio, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and Jamal Musiala.
FIFA also stated that Argentine captain Lionel Messi holds the overall record for the highest number of successful dribbles across all World Cup appearances with 125.
Meanwhile, Diego Maradona remains the player with the most successful dribbles in a single World Cup tournament after recording 53 during the 1986 edition.
The latest recognition further strengthens Okocha’s reputation as one of the most skilful players in World Cup history and one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.
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