Daily Independent Online.
*
Thursday, June 17, 2004.
Doubt over Okocha’s availability
Pius Anakali
Senior
Correspondent,
Lagos
As preparations
heighten for Super Eagles’ World Cup tie against Angola on Saturday, the
absence of Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha who was expected to have joined the team in their Ota
camp before the trip to Angola on Tuesday, is giving the Glass House cause for
concern.
Speaking in a
telephone chat with Daily Independent yesterday, the Nigeria Football
Association (NFA) spokesman, Sam
Kaalu informed that though Jay Jay is expected to join his colleagues in Angola
Thursday (this morning), there is however no assurance that the Bolton
Wanderers play maker would report as expected.
Since his refusal
to honour the nation by featuring in the just concluded Unity Cup held in
England, there has been some kind of misunderstanding between the midfield
sensation and the NFA. Though he assured the NFA of his readiness to play in
the Angola-Nigeria match, Okocha’s failure to report to camp as scheduled
has been a big issue among football lovers in the country.
Meanwhile, 15
players have shown up in Angola and said to be ready to fight for the three
points at stake when they lock horn with the Angola national side on Saturday.
They are Goal Keepers Vincent Enyeama of Enyimba of Aba and his counterpart
Rotimi Sunday of Dolphin Fc of
Port-Harcourt.
Others are Abey
George, Seyi Olajengbesi, Seyi Olofinjana, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, Paul Obiefule,
Adamu Yakubu, assistant captain Yobo Joseph, Rabiu Baita who plays in Belgium
and Adewale Waheed, Joseph Enakhaire and, John Utaka.
