Okocha ends on a high

Okocha celebrates his goal in the third-place play-off

Nigerian captain Jay-Jay Okocha says he enjoyed the 2004 African Cup of Nations more than he did when the Super Eagles won the tournament 10 years ago.

Okocha, who scored four goals and was named the 2004 Player of the Tournament after leading Nigeria to the bronze medal, said he appreciated the support his team had received.

"I had a great tournament, a great time in Tunisia," he told reporters after Friday's 2-1 win over Mali in the third place play-off match.

"I was very happy the way they (the crowd) appreciated us. I think I value my experience at this tournament more than I did in 1994."

Okocha is the only survivor from the Nigerian side that won the Cup of Nations title in Tunisia a decade ago.

"I was young then, I didn't really understand what it all meant, I did not understand what it was to win this trophy."

Okocha has appeared in four Cup of Nations tournaments, winning once, finishing runner-up in 2000 and collecting bronze medals in 2002 and on Friday.

"I enjoyed today's game very much. I was very grateful the way people have responded to us."

Okocha turned on the skills for the small crowd in Monastir, performing several tricks as well as scoring the opening goal and creating a second for Peter Odemwingie.

"I was surprised to see the fans that came to support us and it really lifted the team. I decided to show them a trick or two," the Bolton Wanderers midfielder said.

Okocha joined Frederic Kanoute of Mali and Cameroon's Patrick Mboma on four goals at the top of the tournament's goalscoring charts.