Okocha and the other foreign based Super Eagles where due to link up with the rest of the squad on January 8th but this has now been extended for a further week
Christian Chukwu, the coach of the Nigerian team explained why the deadline had been extended and said that his players will approach the tournament in the right frame of mind
"In as much as we need these players, we have to understand that their clubs can only release them 14 days to the start of Tunisia 2004. We have to be seen as a responsible nation which observes stipulated rules so that we do not create this club-versus-country row". 'The decision to allow some of the players to come to camp before the middle of January is not going to hinder our chances of playing well at the Nations Cup. These players are professional players who understand what it takes to do well at the big stage. I am confident that their arrival in January would not take the shine off our preparations." 'Those that would be in camp in December are players that can hold their own at any stage." he added
This news will be a welcome boost for the Wanderers who could lose influential midfielder Okocha for up to six weeks dependant on how far Nigeria progress in the competition. Sam Allardyce, the Bolton manager and the Nigeria Football Association have been of differing opinion as to Okocha's international commitments. Allardyce wanted the player to retire from the international scene altogether whilst Okocha on signing for Bolton claimed he had given up his commitments with the Super Eagles.