The 32-year-old looks set to be disappointed, though, as his national team face stiff competition from Angola to progress to the tournament. Nigeria must win against Zimbabwe on Saturday and hope that group leaders Angola fail to beat Rwanda in order to qualify.
Okocha has been ruled out of the Zimbabwe clash with a groin injury, but is confident that his team-mates will ensure he has the opportunity of becoming the first African to play in four consecutive World Cups. "I'm optimistic about our qualification on Saturday as it'll be the fourth World Cup for me and my country." Okocha picked up the injury during Bolton's 2-1 defeat to Wigan last Sunday and could be out for up to three more weeks.
Okocha is a great player and Nigeria will sure miss their trickster captain when he retires. Okocha is 32 now and maybe he just thought he just wasn't able to continue playing for both Bolton and his country.
