Middlesbrough striker Yakubu has confirmed he will not play for Nigeria in next month’s African Nations Cup.
But he told the Middlesbrough website: “I have called the Nigerian FA and told them I am not going to go.
“Unfortunately, I do not have a good relationship with our national coach Augustine Equavoen.
“We are not on good terms, so I think it is best that I don’t go.
“He is not happy with me and I am not happy with him. I would love to go there and play for Nigeria.
“It would mean a lot to me to play for my country there because it is a prestigious tournament for African nations.
“It was a big decision for me but I have made the right one.
“I have just come to Middlesbrough so I have got to play for my team. I want to do well for the club and for the fans. I have got myself in a good position and I want to keep that going.
“We have a lot of big games coming up and it is good that I will now be here for all of them.”
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