Okocha - feeling the added pressure (Allsport)

Click here to place your World Cup bets!
Click here for Nigeria team section
Click here for teams index
Click here for latest World Cup headlines
Click here for World Cup photo gallery
Click here for World Cup Bettingzone

Nigeria's inspirational playmaker Jay Jay Okocha has admitted he is feeling the added pressure as captain of the Super Eagles.

The former Paris St Germain midfielder was appointed skipper of the Nigerian team after former captain Sunday Oliseh was left out of the World Cup squad following a fall out with the Nigerian FA.

The talented 28-year-old is more used to a free role in central midfield but he now realises he has added responsibilities to organise his team-mates.

"I have to be a role model in everything that I'm doing now, even in the way I drink water," he said.

"I have to play my own game, but I have to change some things too.

"I think I am enjoying it, but it has put extra pressure on me and I must honestly say it's not an easy job.

"But it's my turn to take the responsibility and there's no way out of it, and I just have to do the best I can.

"I'm lucky though that we have a good group of players that listens to me and tries to co-operate.

"They are all professionals and understand what a difficult role it is for me, so that makes things easier."

Okocha, who has been linked with a move to English Premiership club Bolton, was arguably the best African player at France '98 and will use the World Cup to showcase his talents as he eyes a move following his decision not to renew his PSG deal.

But he is refusing to discuss any prospective moves until after the World Cup.

"I have had offers from the Premiership but I have decided not to do anything before the end of the World Cup so I can concentrate on the tournament," he told www.bbc.co.uk.