Okocha Given Dispensation By Nigeria

Last updated : 15 December 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers captain Jay-Jay Okocha has been given permission by Nigeria to stay with his club over the Christmas period, rather than fly out on December 19th to attend a training camp in preparation for the African Nations Cup.

Manager Sam Allardyce had feared that the 30-year old former Paris Saint Germain player would be missing for the most crucial period of the season but now along with other English based Nigerians the much coveted Wanderer will fly out later in the New Year on the 9th January.

However Allardyce will meet with the Nigerian FA General Secretary Taiwo Ogunjobi soon to discuss a more suitable arrangment to resolve the club versus country conflicts which seem to keep happening.