•Rues Confederation Cup absence

By Monica Iheakam

Ex- international Austin Jay Jay Okocha is dreaming of seeing Super Eagles play at the Russsia 2018 FIFA World Cup, even as he rued Nigeria’s absence at this year’s  Confederation Cup billed to kick off in June.

Okocha, who is in Kazan, one of the venues for the Confederations Cup in Russia, said he is tempted to come out of retirement after seeing the facilities for the tournament, adding that it would give him joy to see Eagles rub shoulders with the rest of the world in Russia 2018.

Commenting on the Confederation Cup kicking off from June 17 to July 2, 2017, Okocha expressed sadness that Super Eagles would be missing in action but says he would be rooting for African Champions Cameroon to do the continent proud.

“I felt the hospitality and friendliness from the moment I stepped off the plane. I am  really impressed with what I saw in Kazan,  I even thought for a moment about starting to play football again when I was at the Kazan Arena.

“ I would  really like to perform at this stadium! Alas, my career is behind me, but I’ll be delighted if Nigeria get to play matches here at Russia 2018.

“The champions of each continent are playing at the Confederations Cup, so there’ll be a very high standard of football,” Okocha who played at the 1995 Confederations Cup told FIFA.com.

“There will be supporters from all over the world, but Russia will have the best support. It’s a shame that Nigeria didn’t qualify, so instead I’ll support Cameroon.”