Okocha To Visit National Leader

Last updated : 11 November 2004 By Mark Heys
Nigerian midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha could still fly out for his country's international match with South Africa next week despite being on the injury list.

Okocha has had a personal invitation from the South African president Nelson Mandela to attend the game and the Bolton manager Sam Allardyce says that the opportunity put in front of the Super Eagles star is one that is too good to turn down.

"Jay-Jay is possibly not going to be fit. However there has been a personal invitation given out by Nelson Mandela. I would not want to stop anyone accepting an invitation like that. I wouldn't mind going myself if I had the opportunity." Allardyce said

Despite this, the Wanderers boss still remained cautious about the African journey and says that he will block the meeting with Mr Mandela should it interfere with Okocha's recovery and commitments with his club.

"We have to make sure that when he comes back if he hasn't recovered from injury, he is definitely going to be okay for the week after. If that is not the case we might have to talk to Jay-Jay and tell him he might not be able to go. I know Nelson Mandela is a huge person to meet but we need him for every game we can."