A new chapter begins with SmartSoft and BetKing
What happens when a legendary footballer, a leading African gaming powerhouse, and one of the most innovative game providers in the world come together?
You get JJ BallX – the newly re-skinned version of SmartSoft’s hit crash game FootballX, now infused with the style, flair, and legacy of Nigerian football icon Jay Jay Okocha.
This collaboration between BetKing Nigeria and SmartSoft goes far beyond just aesthetics. It’s a true cross-disciplinary effort to create a game that speaks directly to local players — culturally relevant, instantly recognizable, and thrilling to play.
“Creating our very own #JJBallX crash game with the legend himself is a dream come true, both professionally as well as personally, very close to my heart,” said Kaan Bulakeri, head of gaming at KingMakers. “This is the localisation of iGaming at its absolute best in Africa with one of the continent’s most celebrated and impactful Football players, who is also a childhood idol of mine.”
Nengi Akinola, head of marketing at BetKing, commented: “At BetKing, we believe in creating localised experiences that connect directly with the passions of our Nigerian players. That’s why JJ BallX is particularly important. It represents Jay Jay Okocha’s legacy in the hands of millions of Nigerians who watched him play on a global stage, and we are proud to preserve this legacy on our platform.”
What is FootballX?
Originally launched by SmartSoft, FootballX is a dynamic crash-style game where players place bets and cash out before the ball “crashes.”
The longer you stay in, the more you win – but timing is everything. It’s fast-paced, skill-based, and one of the top-performing games in SmartSoft’s portfolio.
Now, with a full redesign tailored for the Nigerian market and featuring Jay Jay Okocha, JJ BallX offers an even deeper emotional connection for players.
Who is Jay Jay Okocha?
Known for his dazzling footwork, creativity, and charisma on the field, Jay Jay Okocha is a name that resonates with football fans across Africa and beyond.
From mesmerizing defenders at Fenerbahçe, to becoming a fan-favorite in the Premier League, to captaining the Nigerian national team – Okocha’s career has become the stuff of legend. His character now lives inside JJ BallX, bringing his spirit into the gaming world.
Why SmartSoft?
“At SmartSoft, we believe that great entertainment comes from understanding players, not just delivering technology,” said Rusudan Javakhishvili, vice president commercial at SmartSoft. “We are proud to work with partners like BetKing who share our vision of localized, high-quality content that resonates with local people.
“This project reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, partnership, and player-centric design. With Africa being a key strategic region for us, JJ BallX is more than a game – it’s a signal of what’s to come.”
So, whether you’re a fan of football, crash games, or just love to see legends reborn in new formats – JJ BallX is here to thrill.
Let the game begin.