Jay Jay Okocha will lead Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations, but Taribo West will not be in the team, the Nigerian soccer federation said on Wednesday.
Okocha, who captained Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup finals, will play for the Super Eagles despite financial problems that could have kept him off the team.
”Okocha is still in the team and I have the final team list with me here,” said federation spokesperson Sam Kaalu. The Bolton midfielder is reported to have lost his savings in a troubled Nigerian bank.
West, who also played at the World Cup two years ago, was left off the 22-man roster because he has not yet recovered from a nagging knee injury.
”Taribo West is out of the team, he even left the camp yesterday,” Kaalu said.
The African Cup opens on Janunary 24. in Tunisia. Nigeria was drawn into Group D along with Morocco, South Africa and Benin.
Other top players named to the Nigerian team are: Nwankwo Kanu of Arsenal; Yabubu Aiyegbeni of Portsmouth; Joseph Yobo of Everton; Isaac Okoronkwo of Wolverhampton; and Celestine Babayaro of Chelsea.
Babayaro is returning to the national team after a long break.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Austin Ejide, Ikpe Ekong, Vincent Enyeama, Greg Etafia
Defenders: George Abbey, Celestine Babayaro, Joseph Enakhire, Isaac Okoronkwo, Romanus Orjinta, Ifeanyi Udeze, Joseph Yobo
Midfielders: Ifeanyi Ekwueme, Pius Ikedia, Garba Lawal, Osare Odewingie, Jay Jay Okocha, Seyi Olofinjana
Strikers: Victor Agali, Julius Aghaghowa, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Nwankwo Kanu, John Utaka. – Sapa-AP