FIFA reaffirms Okocha's unmatched 15-dribble World Cup record

FIFA officially confirms Jay-Jay Okocha still holds the record for most successful dribbles in a single World Cup match, with 15 against Italy in Nigeria's 1994 Round of 16 clash. The feat remains unmatched more than three decades later, despite the emergence of countless world-class dribblers including Messi, Maradona, and Cruyff.

The former Super Eagles captain achieved this milestone against a formidable Italian side featuring legends Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, and Demetrio Albertini. Jairzinho and Paul Gascoigne are joint-second on the list with 13 successful dribbles each.

Lionel Messi holds the overall record across all World Cup appearances with 125 successful dribbles, while Diego Maradona recorded 53 in a single tournament during 1986. This recognition further cements Okocha's status as one of Nigeria's most celebrated sporting figures and among the most skillful footballers in World Cup history.

How does Okocha's enduring record inspire today's Nigerian footballers aiming to make their own mark on the global stage?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/30/fifa-reaffirms-okochas-historic-world-cup-dribbling-record/