Nigerian captain Jay Jay Okocha says the main reason he has decided to
stop playing for the Super Eagles is so he can concentrate on his club
"It's a difficult decision to take, but it's better to quit now rather than
being forced to quit because I'm no longer wanted," the 28-year-old
midfielder told BBC Sport Online.
"It's best to go when I'm still at the
top, rather than when I'm no longer at my peak."
Okocha is looking for a new club after leaving Paris Saint Germain at the end
of last season, and he says he does not want to have to make any more
"Playing in the national team has cost me a lot," Okocha said.
"There have been
advantages, but it's cost me a lot on the club side of things. It's very
difficult for we Africans playing in Europe to cope with the schedules.
African Nations Cup is played during the European season, and it always
causes us problems."
Okocha has played for Nigeria for nine years. He was part of Super Eagles'
golden era, going to their first World Cup in 1994, and winning Africa's
first Olympic football gold in 1996.
Although many people are looking to him to help Nigeria though this
low point in their history, he says it is time for others to take over.
Okocha's first World Cup was USA '94
"I think I can still help, but I don't know if I can cope with the stress of
playing in the national team," Okocha conceded.
"It's not as easy as people think. There have
been good and bad times, so I think I will feel more relaxed if I go.
not easy flying all over Africa for qualifying games - the standards and
facilities make it difficult to play. Maybe I've had enough.
"I think it's best for me to give the younger ones the opportunity that I had to do better than my set of players are doing."
Never say never
And failing to make the second round of this World Cup is one of the biggest
disappointments in the Nigerian captain's international career.
He conceded that even after the memory has faded, its unlikely he will be inspired to
play for the Super Eagles again.
"It will be difficult for me to change my mind, but you can never say never.
"It's been a great pleasure playing for my country. Wearing that jersey is
"Maybe one day if they are in a very difficult situation I might
feel that it would be necessary for me to help and I could change my mind.
"But I don't see that situation coming up."