Bolton are desperate to keep Okocha

Bolton feared Okocha would be forced to join a pre-tournament training camp on Friday and miss key Premiership games.

But the Nigerian Football Association has revealed English-based players can delay their departure until 9 January.

The Nigerian FA's decision will also boost Everton, who were bracing themselves to release central defender Joseph Yobo prior to the tournament.

Nigerian FA general secretary Taiwo Ogunjobi told The Vanguard newspaper that the invited players would report to the training camp in Portugal, but those playing in England would arrive later.

Okocha and company, however, would then be expected to link up when the squad re-assemble in January for another training camp in Tunisia to begin their final preparations.

It is understood Ogunjobi is heading for England to talk to a number of clubs, including Bolton, to try and clarify Nigeria's position.

While Bolton admit they are powerless to prevent Okocha playing in the tournament, which runs from 24 January to 14 February, they are concerned about the amount of time he would be away in the build-up.

Now, however, he looks likely to be available for the matches against Arsenal, Liverpool and Leicester.