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Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha has revealed that Hull City’s celebrations after their historic promotion to the Premier League in 2008 were unlike anything he had experienced throughout his illustrious career, Footynaija.com reports.
Okocha, famed for his dazzling flair at Paris Saint-Germain, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bolton Wanderers, joined Hull City in 2007 during the twilight of his career.
Despite not featuring heavily due to injuries, the former Super Eagles captain says the joy that swept through East Yorkshire after Hull’s Wembley triumph over Bristol City was unforgettable.
Can this free-kick goal by Jay Jay Okocha against Aston Villa be considered one of the greatest of all time?pic.twitter.com/aCQhgWhffa
— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) March 13, 2025
Speaking on YouTuber Ellis Platten’s Shirt Shopping show in partnership with Classic Football Shirts, the 51-year-old reflected fondly on his time at the MKM Stadium.
“I remember Phil Brown calling me, because he was Sam (Allardyce’s) assistant at Bolton,” said Okocha. “(He) said to me that he’s got a project here, they gave him a mandate to get Hull into the Premier League, and that he would like to have me.
“I said OK, that sounds good, you know what I mean. I always like to challenge myself, it doesn’t matter where or how.”
Okocha continued: “So I signed for Hull City. But, I didn’t really play as much as I would’ve loved to with injuries kicking in.
“I went there when they just had the floods, so I got stuck in one room in a hotel. I wasn’t feeling it.
“But, of course, we managed to get promotion. And for me, I saw what I’d never seen in my life before, you know, with the bus tour (around the city).
“I said it would be a perfect memory to retire with.”
The Tigers’ success under Phil Brown marked a turning point in the club’s history. Okocha’s presence brought experience and global attention, and Brown later credited him with helping put Hull City “on the map”.
Since that famous day in May 2008, the club has experienced its share of highs and lows — from FA Cup Final appearances to relegation battles. With Turkish owner Acun Ilicali now steering the club three years into his tenure, promotion ambitions remain high as Hull continue their push to return to the Premier League.
