FIFA confirms Okocha leads World Cup dribble chart from single match

Former Super Eagles star Austin Okocha has been officially recognized by FIFA for holding a long-standing World Cup record for dribbling.

FIFA statistics show that Okocha completed 15 successful dribbles in a single match during Nigeria’s clash against Italy at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, a performance that remains unmatched in the tournament’s history.

He is followed in the rankings by several football legends, including Brazil’s Jairzinho (13 dribbles against Uruguay in 1970) and England’s Paul Gascoigne (13 against Cameroon in 1990). Others close behind include Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, and Eusebio, each recording between 12 and 13 successful dribbles in single World Cup matches.

While Okocha holds the record for most dribbles in one game, Argentina’s Lionel Messi leads the overall World Cup history in successful take-ons with 125. Meanwhile, Maradona holds the record for the most dribbles in a single World Cup edition, achieved during the 1986 tournament.

The recognition further cements Okocha’s reputation as one of the most skillful dribblers in football history.