Over the last few years the title of Hull City's biggest-ever signing has had to be revised on quite a few occasions.

The bar was lifted to a whole new level though on 4 September 2007 when Jay-Jay agreed to become a Tiger and he was soon displaying his astounding skills.

Named in the list of the 125 greatest living footballers, selected by Pelé in conjunction with FIFA's centenary celebrations in 2004, the Nigerian superstar is arguably the most gifted African footballer of all-time.

Making his international debut in May 1993, the mercurial attacking midfielder helped Nigeria to the African Nations Cup in 1994 and was part of the side that won Olympic gold in 1996.

Despite the glorious career he has gone on to enjoy, Jay-Jay arrived in European club football almost by accident.

He had flown to Germany at the age of 17 to visit a friend who played for a Third Division team in Neunkirchen but, having already played in the Nigerian First Division with Enugu Rangers, went along to train with the local club and was immediately persuaded to stay.

Via Saarbrucken, he went on to join Eintracht Frankfurt in December 1991 - still before his 18th birthday - where he was to explode on to the Bundesliga scene.

Five years on, he moved to Turkey to play for Fenerbahce where he gained Champions League experience (notably in a shock win against Manchester United at Old Trafford) and hero worship in Istanbul.

In 1998, Jay-Jay became the most expensive African player ever with his £14million move to Paris St Germain.

Jay-Jay came to England in June 2002 when he signed for Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer after his contract with PSG expired.

He joined the Lancashire club - coached by current City manager Phil Brown - immediately after Nigeria's World Cup campaign in Japan.

It was his third involvement in a World Cup tournament having also played for the Super Eagles in the USA in 1994 and France in 1998.

He soon became a fans' favourite at Bolton as the Reebok Stadium became an established Premiership venue.

After a lucrative year playing for Qatar Sports Club, Jay-Jay returned to England to take up a new challenge at the KC Stadium.

He told hullcityafc.net: "Having worked with Phil at Bolton, I now hope to repay him for this opportunity.

"Hull have got ambition and that's what Phil got across to me.

"They've got a new chairman and they're looking to take the club into the Premier League."