By Steve Vickers BBC Sport, Harare

Okocha has renewed his commitment to Nigeria

Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha has declared that he might be compelled to play a major role in the rest of their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Okocha, who has missed two of their three group matches so far, had indicated that he was going to reduce his international commitments.

Now leading the Super Eagles in Sunday's qualifier against Zimbabwe's Warriors, Okocha intends to make himself available for future selection, if Nigeria is unable to build a healthy lead in their qualifying group.

"I'll try to feature as much as I can. The earlier we start getting points, the better for me," Okocha told BBC Sport.

"But if we keep on going this way, I think I'll feature in all the games."

Okocha believes the Super Eagles will not have an easy path to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

"African qualifiers are always difficult, so for us, every game is like a cup final," said the Nigeria captain.

Okocha expects a tough encounter against the Warriors in Harare.

"I think it's going to be a difficult game. They've got determination," he said.

Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu is also treating his opponents with a lot of respect.

"Zimbabwe's football has come up. They're a good playing nation and we won't take this game for granted.

"But I'm happy with the squad that we've got for the game. We're better prepared than we were for the match in Angola, where we lost 1-0," he said.

Zimbabwe are expected to field their strongest side in many years, with striker Benjamin Mwaruwari back in the squad after injuries led to an absence of over a year.