RIYADH, 12 January 2006 — Bolton’s Nigerian skipper Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has signed a lucrative 18-month contract with two-time Asian champions Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, a source at the club told AFP yesterday.
Okocha was signed by the Jeddah-based club for 5.1 million euros to replace Brazilian midfielder Chico, the source said.
The 32-year-old 1996 Olympic gold medalist is due in Egypt this month to play for Nigeria in the African Nations Cup, which is likely to be his international swansong for the entertaining playmaker.
He has largely played second fiddle to Japan’s Hidetoshi Nakata at the heart of Bolton’s midfield this season in the English Premiership and has openly admitted that he has been left frustrated watching from the sidelines.
In July, Bolton dismissed suggestions that the three-time World Cup finals veteran — who has also played for among others French giants Paris Saint Germain — was ready to accept a lucrative move to Qatari side Al-Rayyan.
Holders AJ Auxerre Meet PSG in French Cup Second Round
In Paris, holders AJ Auxerre face Ligue 1 rivals Paris St Germain in the French Cup second round after the draw on Wednesday produced four top-flight clashes.
The tie, to be played either on Jan. 31 or Feb. 1 at the Parc des Princes, will be a repeat of the 2003 final won by the Burgundy side.
In-form RC Lens, who have not lost in their last 19 league games, travel to Stade Rennes while runaway Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyon play struggling AC Ajaccio away.
Olympique Marseille entertain Metz at the Stade Velodrome.
The draw made sure there would be an amateur club in the third round as two fourth division clubs will meet.
Ste Genevieve play hosts to Calais, who caused a sensation by reaching the final in 2000, which they lost 2-1 to Nantes.
