{
  "id": 1662845,
  "title": "Jay Jay Okocha, Obi Mikel reveal how they changed their names",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/jay-jay-okocha-obi-mikel-reveal-how-they-changed-their-names",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T07:39:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/18/jay-jay-okocha-obi-mikel-reveal-how-they-changed-their-names/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Super Eagles captains, Jay Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel have opened up about how their names were altered. In an interview on the Obi One Podcast, the two former Nigerian international footballers explained the events that led to their name changes. Okocha adopted the nickname \"Jay Jay\" while playing street football as a child. The name originated from his younger brother James, who is the actual Jay Jay. Mikel, on the other hand, changed his name from Michael to Mikel during an Under-17 tournament when the printing errors were made. He added that the name Michael was the one he submitted, but Mikel was printed on his shirt.\n\nThe origin of Okocha's nickname, \"Jay Jay,\" is rooted in the neighborhood where he grew up. There were several footballers in the area, including his brothers. To differentiate between them, they started calling him Austin Jay Jay's brother, which eventually became his nickname. Okocha then decided to accept the name for himself and included it in his passport. Similarly, Mikel chose to keep the name Mikel after the printing mistake during the Under-17 tournament. He found that Mikel sounded better than Michael and decided to adopt it as his official name, also adding it to his passport.",
  "summary": "Former Super Eagles captains, Jay Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel have revealed how their names were changed. Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, both former Nigeria internationals explained the circumstances that led to their name changes. Okocha became known as Jay Jay through a nickname he was given while playing street football. The nickname […] Jay Jay Okocha, Obi Mikel reveal how they changed…",
  "key_points": [
    "Jay Jay Okocha's nickname originated from his brother's name, James.",
    "John Obi Mikel changed his name from Michael to Mikel during a tournament.",
    "Both footballers adopted their new names and included them in their passports."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The name changes reflect how childhood experiences and practical considerations can lead individuals to adopt new identities that eventually become integral to their public and personal lives.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}