{
  "id": 6832817,
  "title": "Okocha is Nigeria’s greatest player, Messi’s my GOAT – Fola Stag",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/okocha-is-nigerias-greatest-player-messis-my-goat-fola-stag",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T01:12:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/okocha-is-nigerias-greatest-player-messis-my-goat-fola-stag/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fasanmi Afolabi, widely known as Fola Stag, is a popular photographer and influencer who has been passionate about photography since around 2013. His journey began when he met his friend Esther's father, who was the official photographer for First Bank at the time. Mr. Afolabi introduced Fola to the basics of photography, and he has since been dedicated to the craft. Fola's passion for photography lies in the storytelling aspect, capturing emotions and moments that might be otherwise forgotten.\n\nInitially, establishing himself in the industry was challenging, but Fola's passion and the desire to tell more stories kept him going. His family was initially skeptical about his choice of career since photography was not what he studied. However, his elder sister was a strong supporter, encouraging him throughout his journey.\n\nIn school, Fola participated in lawn tennis, which he enjoyed due to its precision and agility. He aspired to pursue a sports career, possibly in swimming. While he grew up in various households, sports were a part of some environments. His favorite sportsman is Lionel Messi, and he supports Liverpool football club. Messi is, without a doubt, Fola's GOAT in all sports.\n\nThe older generation of Super Eagles players, according to Fola, played with more passion and personality, with football being an integral part of their lives. The newer generation, however, faces more distractions and pressures, including social media and the influencer side of fame. Among Nigerian players, Fola believes that Jay-Jay Okocha is the greatest, praising his skill, creativity, and ability to entertain.\n\nWhen asked about potential future dates, Fola mentioned Kanu Nwankwo, praising his laid-back and funny personality. He would encourage his children to pursue sports as a hobby and possibly as a career but is against boxing due to his disapproval of violence.\n\nFola's photography style has been influenced by international music videos, renowned photographers like Karl Taylor, Aaron Nace, and Clay Cook, as well as his passion for food. He considers himself a combination of all these influences and his personal experiences. For young photographers trying to make a name for themselves, Fola advises them to enjoy the process and learn lighting properly.",
  "summary": "Photographer Fola Stag discusses his career and names Jay-Jay Okocha as Nigeria’s greatest player and Lionel Messi as his personal GOAT in an interview. Read More: https://punchng.com/okocha-is-nigerias-greatest-player-messis-my-goat-fola-stag/",
  "key_points": [
    "Fola Stag is a passionate photographer since 2013, inspired by his friend's father.",
    "Despite initial skepticism, Fola's sister supported his photography career.",
    "Fola considers Jay-Jay Okocha Nigeria's greatest player, praising his skill and creativity."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Fola Stag's views on sports and photography reveal a blend of traditional passion and modern influences, reflecting his admiration for Lionel Messi and Jay-Jay Okocha as icons in their respective fields.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Okocha is Nigeria’s greatest player, Messi’s my GOAT – Fola Stag",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/okocha-is-nigerias-greatest-player-messis-my-goat-fola-stag-6838808",
        "published": "2026-09-12T01:12:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}