JAY-Jay-Jay Okocha may not play for Nigeria in the African Nations Cup because he is facing a cash crisis, according to reports from Nigeria on Wednesday.

Okocha has been quoted in the Vanguard newspaper in Lagos as saying he has invested funds in a bank in his homeland, which has run into difficulties.

The reports suggest Okocha is considering returning to Nigeria to try and sort out the problem rather than travelling to Tunisia for the tournament.

Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside told www.skysports.com: "I am not aware that Jay-Jay might not be going to the African Cup of Nations.

"It would be the best news if he did not go and stayed at the club.

"I know nothing about it. I saw Jay-Jay last night, and he did not mention it."

The quotes attributed to Okocha in the Vanguard are: "My mind is with Nigeria - I love the country. I'm captain of the team and I know my responsibilities. But honestly, I'm troubled.

"I have almost all my money in a bank in Nigeria. Now the bank has a problem - and I'm in real trouble, in a real mess.

"I really don't know what to do. That's why I'm staying back at the club to see if I can make a little money playing matches. It is a difficult thing.

"I may be in Nigeria during the Nations Cup to see if I can sort out things.

"What am I playing for again? I don't have any other job. Now the money I made playing football is gone.

"It is really disturbing. I wish that something could be done for me.

"If I get paid I'll be in a better mood. Right now, the loss is hurting badly and I have been asked to come around to see what could be done.

"That time has clashed with the Nations Cup. For now, I'm just praying that something positive happens."