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| June 13, 2002 | Thursday | Rabi-us-Sani 1, 1423 |
Nigerian captain to quit
OSAKA (Japan), June 12: Nigeria captain Jay Jay Okocha reckons Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with England will probably be his last international, drawing the curtain on a career that has spanned three World Cups.
“Well, I think so,” he said, when asked if he had just played his last game in a Nigeria shirt. “I would not say never, but for now I think that’s the last.”
But the skilful 28-year-old midfielder fueled speculation that he could be set for a move to the English premier league, saying he would “love” to play there.
“Maybe, I’ll leave my door open,” he said when asked if he wanted to move to England. “But first I think I need a holiday with my family. I would love to.
Okocha, currently a free agent, has been linked with premier league club Bolton Wanderers, but would not comment on any negotiations.
His retirement from international football comes as no surprise after he said earlier in the tournament he was thinking of making way for younger players.
LAGOS: Nigeria defender Taribo West and striker Finidi George said they are retiring from international soccer after Nigeria’s first round elimination, a national newspaper reported on Wednesday.
“Going out at this stage has hurt me so deeply so I have now decided to retire from international football,” said West who did not play in Nigeria’s 0-0 draw against England in their last group F match, according to This Day newspaper.—Reuters
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