Okocha injured, may miss S'Africa friendly
By Adeyinka Adedipe
SUPER Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, was a major absentee in Bolton's game against Middlesbrough yesterday in the Premiership.
The Bolton skipper, who was tipped to lead out his team yesterday, could not do so as he copped an ankle injury in the team's last training before the game.
The announcement confirming Okocha's absence from the match was made before kick-off of the match to the dismay of the fans who were looking forward to their inspirational skipper who only just returned last weekend after an injury.
The injury is the second for the Eagles' skipper in the 12-week old league. He had missed four games, including Super Eagles World Cup qualifier against Gabon last month which the Eagles drew 1-1.
Fans of Bolton and indeed that of the Eagles hailed his victorious return as he led his team to a 2-1 win over Tottenham last week. But that celebration may be short-lived if Okocha does not return to action soon.
He may also miss the Mandela Challenge between South Africa and Nigeria on November 17 if the injury lingers. This would be a great blow to the Nigerian skipper who confirmed his participation last week Tuesday to Supersport.
Okocha, who expressed fear over the availability of top Nigerian players for the game, may be a major absentee himself.
The mercurial midfielder said: "It will be very good to have all our first team players to be part of this game. For me, it is something to worry about but all the players are right now involved with their clubs all over Europe."
"Well, I think it is always going to be a good match. Nigerians are looking forward to the match. Whatever happens, it will still go down as a friendly game between the two countries", he added.
Meanwhile, Bolton recorded a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough to stay fourth on the premiership table.
Bolton, who were away to Middlesbrough, looked set to pick all three points after Henrik Pedersen strike in the 72nd minute.
However, an injury time equaliser by George Boateng earned Middlesbrough a point in the keenly contested game.`
|
