Okocha is in South Africa as an ambassador of the German premier league, looking to inspire youngsters to follow in his footsteps when he moved to Europe at the age of 17.
The retired former attacking midfielder had been playing in his homeland alongside former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper William Okpara, before he took the initiative to visit Germany in 1990 after they had won the FIFA World Cup.
He eventually turned his vacation into a permanent stay after requesting to train with then-third division side Borussia Neunkirchen and managed to impress the coach, who then offered him a contract.
Without thinking twice, Okocha grabbed the opportunity with both hands and went on to rise up the ranks as he landed up at Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, where he spent four memorable years.
He also later went on to play in England, as he turned out for Bolton Wanderers and Hull City before retiring in 2008.
Now, with South Africa’s export rate having rapidly decreased in recent years, Okocha has suggested that more players should look to move to the Bundesliga, where foreign players face less paperwork issues than in England.
“The opportunity is there, unlike the Premier League where you have to be an established international player to stand any chance of playing,” said Okocha.
“You have to play 75 percent of the [senior international team's] games for you to get a work permit, but in Germany the opportunities are limitless.”
The 45-year-old former Super Eagles attacker says it all comes down to each individual's ambition and desire to reach their potential, outside of their comfort zones back home.
“I always say it depends on the player – how bad do you want to succeed? If you’re ambitious enough, the opportunities are there for you to go and exploit,” he added.
“Sometimes you get too comfortable being at home, with friends and family and with the little money you earn, instead of exploiting the opportunities out there.
“You have to get out of your comfort zone to grab such opportunities, and that is what some of us did. Today we can say that exploitation has changed our views about life and everything.
“So, it’s up to the players to show their ambition and to go out there and grab these opportunities.”