Jay-Jay Okocha has not been named in Nigeria's latest squad
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Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu have both been left out of the Nigeria squad for their 2006 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda.
Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu has said that his captain is too tired to face Rwanda on 5 June.
"Okocha will not be part of the team for Rwanda because I believe he needs to rest after a rather hectic season," he said.
Despite leaving out the duo Chukwu was not taking anything for granted.
"We are not going to underrate the Rwandans because they have improved over the years.
"Remember what they did to Ghana last year and their great debut at the Nations cup in Tunisia" Chukwu added.
Both players stayed away from the Super Eagles for the recent three-nation tournament in London, with Kanu asking not to be considered for the event.
Chukwu warned the players who stayed away from the London tournament that they risked being dropped for the 2006 qualifiers.
Chukwu has instead stuck to the team that beat both Republic of
Ireland and Jamaica to clinch the Unity Cup in London.
It means Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins is set to win his
second cap for Nigeria after a goal-scoring debut in London.
Chukwu has also added goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Ifeanyi Udeze, Joseph Yobo, Taiye Taiwo and Belgium-based Tosin Dosunmu to the squad from the Unity Cup.
Nigeria Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Vincent Enyeama (Enyimba, Nigeria), Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Sunday Rotimi (Dolphin FC, Nigeria)
Defenders:
Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), George Abbey (Macclesfield Town, England), Joseph Enakharhire (Standard
Liege, Belgium), Ifeanyi Udeze (PAOK Salonica, Greece), Seyi
Olajengbesi (SC Freiburg, Germany), Yakubu Adamu (Schalke 04
Amateurs, Germany), Taye Taiwo (Lobi Stars, Nigeria),
Midfielders:
Garba Lawal (Elfborg, Sweden), Seyi Olofinjana (SK Brann, Norway), Paul Obiefule (Iwuanyanwu Nationale,
Nigeria), Christian Obodo (Perugia, Italy)
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MMIX
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