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Okocha named in Nigeria squad (15.08.2002)
Star midfielder Jay Jay Okocha has been named in Nigeria`s squad to face Angola in their African Nations Cup qualifier - despite his saying he had quit the team after the World Cup.
The 29-year-old had said that he wanted to focus his energies on performing well for his new club, English Premiership side Bolton Wanderers.
He also said that he no longer felt fired-up enough to play for Nigeria, and would prefer to quit to open the door for other young footballers.
However, many of the Super Eagles` other stars asked him to reconsider his decision, especially in light of the teams` relatively poor showing in Korea and Japan.
The Nigeria FA have insisted that their high-profile players attend, although 24 other players from the local league have been called up to prepare for the game in the northern city of Kano.
Derby County trialist Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who was surprisingly left out of the World Cup party, is recalled, as is Duke Udi, who now
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features in the Russian league with Krylya Sovetov.
The Angola tie will be the first match for new coach Christian Chukwu, who is returning to the post after eight years.
Nigeria squad:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Enyimba/Ngr), Austin Ejide (Gabros/Ngr), Felix Levi (Insurance/Ngr), Sam Okoye (Enugu Rangers/Ngr)
Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Everton/Eng), Isaac Okoronkwo (Shakhtar Donetsk/Ukr), Rabiu Afolabi (Standard Liege/Bel), Ifeanyi Udeze (PAOK Salonica/Gre), Patrick Ovie (Krylya Sovetov/Rus), Eric Ejiofor (Maccabi Haifa/Isr)
Midfielders: Christopher Justice (Levski Sofia/Bul), Austin `Jay Jay` Okocha (Bolton/Eng), Duke Udi (Krylya Sovetov/Rus), James Obiorah (Lokomotiv Moscow/Rus), Pius Ikedia (Groningen/Ned)
Strikers: Benedict Akwuegbu (Shenyeng Gendi/Chn), Bartholomew Ogbeche (Paris Saint Germain/Fra), John Utaka (Lens/Fra), Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal/Eng), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Maccabi Haifa/Isr), Femi Opabunmi (Lyon/Fra), Julius Aghahowa (Shakhtar Donetsk/Ukr)
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