I will answer Nigeria call, says Jay-Jay

Jay-Jay Okocha insists he will represent Nigeria in the African Nations Cup next month despite a plea from Bolton manager Sam Allardyce to remain in England.

The influential midfielder could be away for about five weeks and will miss the Carling Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.

Allardyce is incensed that his captain will miss out at such an important stage in the competition.

But Okocha is adamant that he is going to Tunisia.

“I should be there for the team (Bolton) but even though I won’t be there in person, I will be there spiritually,” he said.

“My heart will be with the boys. I will wish them the best of luck to get to the final.

“We’ve got a bigger squad than before and I have no doubt we have the quality to get through.

“We can do the job. It is a pity that I have to go and I would love to stay after getting to this stage.

“But the African Nations Cup is massive for us and it doesn’t really get the publicity it should.

“It is like playing in the European Championships. I am going late to the training camp and that is already a big effort for me. I can’t do much more.”

Bolton entertain Arsenal on Saturday and Okocha says there is a feel-good factor around the dressing room.

“This squad is possibly stronger than it has ever been,” he said Okocha.

“We are growing in confidence game by game and our qualities are coming through.

“When we relax, we play good football and show the good things we can do.

“In football, you always have a chance and though Arsenal will be a very difficult game for us, we have nothing to lose.”