|
Trotters captain Jay-Jay Okocha claimed he needed a break as Nigeria lost their World Cup qualifying game 1-0 to Angola at the weekend whilst club mate Stelios Giannakopoulos missed Greece's shock 2-1 defeat to Group A basement country Russia last night through injury.
Giannakopoulos has been struggling for fitness throughout the European tournament in Portugal and coach Otto Rehhgal decided it was best for all concerned if he left the Bolton man out of the Russia game to enable him to be fit for the Greeks games in the latter stages of the competition, progression which wasn't forthcoming had Russia managed to tap home a late third goal.
Meanwhile Super Eagles star Okocha told the NTA television station that the amount of games played for Bolton in the past year has had an effect on his international form and says he had no option but to rest during the Angola defeat.
"I'm sorry our team lost but I've made it clear I want a break and can't be playing every game, I'm not a machine and I need some rest. People should consider it's been a long, busy season playing for my club (Bolton Wanderers)."