Hassan Kiawu BBC Sport, USA

Nigeria want Mercy Akide to play for the Super Falcons again

Nigeria striker Mercy Akide-Udoh has decided not to play for her country at the women's World Cup in China this year but has not ruled out playing for the Super Falcons in the future.

The 31-year-old has not played for the African champions since 2004 after falling out with coach Effiom Ntiero.

The Nigeria Football Association were hoping to persuade the America-based striker to return for September's tournament.

However, Akide-Udoh says she will only return to the national team after the World Cup.

"I will not go to the World Cup because coach Ntiero said he will use only players who played at the Africa Women's Championship," Akide-Udoh told BBC Sport.

"I think that has created some level of tension and I want to stay away until we return from the World Cup.

"I will return to the national team after the World Cup if I am invited as I am always ready to serve my country.

Akide-Udoh says the Super Falcons must improve tactically if they are to make any progress at the World Cup.

"We are strong physically but we lack in the tactical aspects of the game and this has hindered the team's progress in bigger competitions," she said.

"I know there are many decent Nigerian coaches out there who are also capable of helping the technical bench."

The striker believes the addition of Super Eagles coach Berti Vogts to the Falcons bench would improve the fortunes of the team.

"If they don't want to appoint him (Vogts) to manage the team, he should be on attachment to help with the preparations," she explained.

Akide-Udoh also called for the inclusion of Nigeria's other top female stars to help the West African country at the World Cup.

"The World Cup is not for girls, it is for women. Let the officials also call players with experience," she added.