Okocha is the Super Eagles captain

Nigeria's preparations for the Cup of Nations finals have been rocked by reports that captain Jay-Jay Okocha may miss out due to a personal financial crisis.

The Bolton Wanderers midfielder has been quoted in a Nigerian newspaper as saying he has invested funds in a bank in his homeland which has run into difficulties.

It is claimed Okocha is considering returning to Nigeria to sort out his financial problems rather than travel to Tunisia for the tournament.

"I'll certainly lack the concentration to do well in Tunisia with this problem," Okocha is quoted in the Vanguard newspaper as saying.

I may be in Nigeria during the Nations Cup to see if I can sort out things Jay-Jay Okocha

"My mind is with Nigeria - I love the country. I'm captain of the team and I know my responsibilities. But honestly, I'm troubled.

"I have almost all my money in a bank in Nigeria. Now the bank has a problem - and I'm in real trouble, in a real mess.

"I really don't know what to do."

The absence of Okocha would be a massive blow for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria were expecting their inspirational playmaker to join up at their training camp in Faro, Portugal, next week.

Yet although the Nigeria captain has yet to confirm his comments, Okocha's interview with the Vanguard newspaper suggests that this situation may force him to miss some of the forthcoming Nations Cup finals.

"That's why I'm staying back (at Bolton) to see if I can make a little money playing matches," the paper quotes Okocha as saying.

"I may be in Nigeria during the Nations Cup to see if I can sort out things.

"Now the money I made playing football is gone.

"It is really disturbing. If I get paid, I'll be in a better mood," he told the Vanguard.

"Right now, the loss is hurting badly and I have been asked to come around to see what could be done.

"That time has clashed with the Nations Cup. For now, I'm just praying that something positive happens."

Okocha has constantly stressed his desire to play in the 2004 Nations Cup, even in the face of Bolton manager Sam Allardyce suggesting that the Nigerian should retire from international football in order to concentrate on his English Premiership career.

Okocha is currently due to lead the Super Eagles against Group D opponents Morocco on 27 January, and then against South Africa and Nations Cup debutants Benin.