Former Super Eagles captain Austin "Jay-Jay" Okocha has been credited by FIFA with the record for the most successful dribbles in a single World Cup match.
According to the world football governing body, Okocha completed 15 successful take-ons against Italy in Nigeria’s Round of 16 tie at the 1994 World Cup in the United States (US).
The performance came against one of the most respected defensive units of the era, including Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini.
The feat remains unmatched in World Cup history as Brazil’s Jairzinho, who managed 13 dribbles against Uruguay in 1970, sits second on the list.
England’s Paul Gascoigne also recorded 13 against Cameroon in 1990 to share the spot.
FIFA’s all-time list shows only nine players have reached 12 successful dribbles in a single match.
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They include Portugal’s Eusebio in 1966, West Germany’s Reinhard Libuda in 1970, the Netherlands’ Johan Cruyff in 1974, Italy’s Sandro Mazzola in 1974, Argentina’s Diego Maradona in 1986, and Germany’s Jamal Musiala in 2022.
FIFA also listed two other World Cup dribbling records, including Argentina captain, Lionel Messi who holds the record for the most successful dribbles across all World Cup appearances, with 125 completed take-ons in his tournament career.
The second holder was late Diego Maradona who holds the record for the most dribbles in a single edition, with 53 at Mexico 1986.
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