Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, has denied a viral claim that he was carrying eight-year-old Esther Okoronkwo on his shoulders at the Reebok Stadium in 2005.

The 28-year-old Okoronkwo inspired Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title triumph in Morocco on Saturday.

After going 2-0 down in the first half against the hosts, Okoronkwo scored a penalty to half the deficit and also assisted Folashade Ijamilusi’s equaliser before setting up Jeniffer Echegini’s winning goal.

The AFC Toronto forward was named Player of the Match, and her exploits soon sparked claims on social media.

One of the posts with this claim was made by X user with the name, #BobMfonmma, who posted a picture of Okocha during his active days, carrying a child on his shoulders with the caption, “Jay Jay Okocha with 8-year-old Esther Okoronkwo at the Reebok Stadium in 2005. Anointed from childhood!”

A screenshot of one of the tweets making rounds on social media…Photo Credit: X Screenshot | (Bob Mfonmma)

Recall, Okocha played at Bolton Wanderers from 2002 to 2006.

PUNCH Online contacted Okocha to fact-check this narrative that is spreading across social media, but he denied the claim and rubbished the narrative.

“That’s nonsense. This is my son,” the ex-Bolton midfielder told our correspondent.

Since the WAFCON tournament, Okoronkwo has won the hearts of many Nigerians, after scoring two goals plus six assists.

She was a super sub in Nigeria’s first two games, coming on as a second-half substitute and providing assists (two) before being named in the starting lineup from the third game against Algeria till the final.

Nigeria’s thrilling win against Morocco on Saturday marked the 10th triumph of the Super Falcons on the continental stage after their previous triumphs in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.