Port Said, Egypt (PANA) - Recuperating Nigerian captain Austin "Jay-Jay" Okocha says he is eager to join his team-mates in action as the Super Eagles sweat for a third Africa Nations Cup in Egypt.

"I would have loved to play against Zimbabwe on Friday but the doctors told me not to take a risk that could aggravate the problem (injury) and I have no choice but to obey," said Okocha, English side, Bolton Wanderers' playmaker, who has not seen action at the ongoing 25th CAN.

"It is painful that I am in this predicament because it would have been better for me to be at home relaxing with my family instead of my current position on the battle field," he told PANA here. "All the same, my injury has not disturbed me from my duties as the captain of the team and I really thank my colleagues for standing by me, and as soon as I get better I will join them in action."

Team doctors believe Okocha will be available should Nigeria reach the knockout stage of the competition.

"His recovery rate is very high and if he can be patient till the next one week, we can be sure that he will be back to full training with the rest of the team," one of the doctors told PANA Thursday.

Nigeria won the Africa Nations Cup in 1980 and 1994.

Meanwhile, Ike Shorunmu, former national team goalkeeper and one of Super Eagles' goalkeeper-trainers, has advised reserve goalie Austin Ejide to wait for his time behind number-one goal tender Vincent Enyeama.

Apparently referring to the rivalry among players, Shorunmu said Friday morning, "what is happening among the three goalkeepers is a common occurrence in an ideal team."

"For now, Vincent is the number-one (goalkeeper) and that is not to say that it will be like that forever."

"If I could use myself as an example, I was on the bench watching Peter Rufai and Wilfred Agbonivbare for many years before I latter took over the number-one position, which I've relinquished to the incumbent," Shorunmu added.