Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has denied criticizing the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over its appointment of Eric Chelle.

In an exclusive interview with Lagos Talks FM, the former Bolton Wanderers star dismissed claims of calling for the dissolution of the NFF in the aftermath of Chelle's appointment.

The legendary international urged journalists to crosscheck their sources before reporting stories.

“I didn’t grant any interview. I don’t know why the person that wrote that story quoted me,” Okocha said.

“If you want to talk to me, you can call me. We might have similar opinions on certain things, but let it come from me.”

The 51-year-old further emphasized the importance of respecting the NFF and its structure, adding that he would rather reach out to his close allies at the NFF privately instead of criticizing them publicly through the press.

“Even if you know that things are wrong in the NFF, you cannot say they should dissolve the NFF Board. There is a process; they are elected,” he explained.

“I am close to (Ibrahim) Gusau, Victor (Ikpeba), Garba (Lawal), and (Augustine) Eguavoen. Being a football person, if I have anything to say, I’ll reach out and talk to them.

“I don’t have to communicate to them through the press. If I talk to them and they don’t listen or don’t see value in what I’m saying, then I can go public,” Okocha clarified.