Okocha has said the Nations Cup doesn't get the publicity it deserves

Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha insists he will play for the Super Eagles in the African Nations Cup finals in Tunisia next month.

Okocha is ignoring a plea from Bolton boss Sam Allardyce to stay in England, and will be away for about five weeks - so missing his club's Carling Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.

"The African Nations Cup is massive for us and it doesn't really get the publicity it should," the 29-year-old said.

"It is like playing in the European Championships.

"I am going late to the training camp and that is already a big effort for me.

"I can't do much more."

Nigeria's training camp for next month's Nations Cup got underway in Faro, Portugal today.

Yet the preparations have started so far in advance that only a reported eight of the 41 players invited to attend can begin training.

Switzerland-based striker Femi Opabunmi and Poland-based forward Uche Kalu are due to join the squad next week, and Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu said he was not worried about his other overseas-based players.

"They gave me their word on reporting at some appointed time and I respect that," he said.

The training camp ends on 10 January, and the Super Eagles squad will fly to Tunisia the next day.

It is believed that Okocha will be joining up with the squad shortly after Bolton Wanderers play Manchester United in the English Premiership on 7 January.

Nigeria, who won the Nations Cup in 1980 and 1994, will contest Group D of the Nations Cup alongside former winners South Africa and Morocco as well as debutants Benin.