‘It is the right time - Super Eagles legend backs ex-PSG teammate Arteta to lead Arsenal to Premier League title

Arsenal currently sits atop the Premier League table, holding a significant lead over defending champions Manchester City. 

Okocha, who played alongside a young Arteta at PSG, expressed no surprise at the manager's success in England's top flight.

The two shared the pitch for 31 matches during the 2001-2002 season before Okocha departed for Bolton Wanderers. 

Speaking on the Clutch 9 Podcast, Okocha recalled that Arteta's potential for a future in management was clear even in his teenage years.

"He is special because he came when he was 18, and I've never seen an 18-year-old so confident, wanting to dominate games at that young age," Okocha stated.

"It didn't take him long to settle down. We all noticed him immediately and knew that he had something special."

He continued, "I wasn't surprised he became a manager because from what I saw then, his football IQ and personality are still what we're seeing now. He's gone on to develop himself and also become a coach after he retired."

"He's done a good job at Arsenal; we can see the progress since he took over. I know that the fans' expectations are so high, they're never patient, but we can see that he's built his own team."

"He's been challenging for the title, and I think it's the right time for him to win the Premier League," Okocha added.

When asked directly if the Gunners could secure the championship this season, Okocha was unequivocal in his support.

"I think so. He's got the best squad in the League, if not in Europe, so it's theirs to lose," he affirmed. "I think he could do more [than just win the EPL]. In football, you've got the chance to win every trophy as long as you're in the race. But let's start with one first."

Meanwhile, Okocha has responded, claiming 'Nobody is better than him' after he was compared to former Barcelona star Ronaldinho.