A Nigerian government minister has hit out at Jay-Jay Okocha and Kanu for delaying their departures to the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
Okocha of Bolton and Kanu of Arsenal will not join the Super Eagles squad until after this week`s Carling Cup semi-finals in England.
With the tournament due to start in Tunisia on Saturday, Nigeria`s Sports and Social Development Minister, Col. Musa Mohammed is deeply unhappy at the absence of both men.
"I must express my displeasure about the inability of some
of the selected players to report to camp despite all efforts by the Nigerian FA," he said.
"This has no doubt affected the level of readiness of the team.
"I am particularly referring to those playing in the English Premiership, who up till now have not reported to camp.
"I think next time, we should set the standard and give a deadline which will be respected by all players."
Nigeria will play their first match next Tuesday when they face Morocco in Monastir.
