Yakubu ready for Nations Cup
Aiyegbeni Yakubu was left out in the cold by Nigeria earlier this year
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Monday, 10, Dec 2007 04:58
Everton striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu says he will make himself available for Nigeria at the 2008 African Nations Cup if he is recalled to the squad.
The Toffees were hoping the forward, who signed from Middlesbrough for £11.25 million over the summer, would remain in England when the tournament goes ahead in January and February.
Yakubu was involved in a public spat with the Nigerian management earlier this year and was briefly dropped from the squad as a result.
However he has now claimed he would be prepared to represent his country at the tournament, which falls at one of the busiest times of the English football calendar.
"I played a couple of games for Nigeria in the summer and, if I am called up for the African Cup of Nations, I will be going," the in-form forward said.
Yakubu scored his first hat-trick for Everton in their 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday and says he does not want to miss playing time with his new club.
But the former Portsmouth man has also hinted at the importance he attaches to representing Nigeria.
"I will be a bit sad because there are important games coming up here, but everybody wants to play for their country," he continued.
"I have to play for them and I am ready for it if they call me up."