LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Austin Okocha, a legendary member of the Super Eagles, was in Florida on Friday to honor a legends’ game hosted by a former teammate, Ronaldinho, and he once more reminded fans of his mesmerizing abilities, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
“The Beautiful Game“-tagged At Exploria Stadium, a reunion of past and present players, as well as a variety of other celebrities, took place for the second iteration of the exhibition game in Orlando City.
Brazilians Roberto Carlos and Ronaldinho led their respective sides as captains, with Nigeria’s Okocha lining up beside the legendary Ronaldinho in the middle of the field.
A few minutes before Jay-Jay Okocha opened the scoring for Ronaldinho’s team by bamboozling the defense with some of his signature footwork before poking a finish past Colombian goalkeeper Rene Higuita, it appeared as though fans were in for another absurdly high scoreline, similar to the one from the first edition last year. Cafu hit the crossbar.
Rivaldo for Team Roberto Carlos (Team RC3) equalized five minutes later with a long-range shot that beat Dida for Team R10.
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After receiving a wonderful ball from Real Madrid winger Vinicuis Jr., Patrick Kluivert scored to give Ronaldinho’s team the lead once more in the 25th minute.
Okocha and Ronaldinho’s superb midfield partnership made Team R10 unstoppable. Cafu pulled Higuita off his line and chipped him to make it 3-1.
The first half ended with a 4-2 victory for Ronaldinho’s team after Vinicuis Jr.’s chipped goal sealed the victory.
Four minutes later, Nani and Willian collaborated to put up Lucas Moura to restore parity for Team RC3.
After an hour, the game lost its momentum as Okocha and other prominent players were replaced and there were numerous interceptions by pitch invasions.
However, Roberto Carlo’s squad did manage to get one back.
The game’s early conclusion, with the scores tied at 3-3 and the R10 squad, led by Jay Jay Okocha and Ronaldinho, winning, was made possible by the invasion of supporters and the deluge.