Olofinjana eyes United clash

Published Dec. 17, 2009 10:25 a.m. ET

foxsports

Hull midfielder Seyi Olofinjana was due to report for training on that date with his national team ahead of next month's African Nations Cup.

The 29-year-old is hoping to delay his departure until after the FA Cup tie at Wigan on January 2 - meaning he could also play against Bolton on December 29 - but at the very least should be free for the Barclays Premier League clash with United at the KC Stadium.

Olofinjana, who only recently returned from a hamstring injury, said: "I will have to play the United game.

"If I can help the club, help myself and get some points for the club before I go that would be helpful.

"I got injured playing for Nigeria and was out for a month. Now that I am fit it would be very unwise to just get off again and go to Nigeria. "The last thing I want to do is just shoot off.

"If possible I will be available for the FA Cup game on Jan 2 as well, but we are still in the process (of negotiations)." Olofinjana, who joined Hull in a Â£3million move from Stoke last summer, believes the scheduling of the African Nations Cup needs to be reviewed.

With many African players now playing in Europe, Olofinjana feels the biennial tournament, traditionally held in January, should be moved. He said: "We are looking forward to it but personally I don't think it is a good time to hold a competition, especially for the African players playing abroad.

"The Premier League is the best competition in the world and you don't want to miss it.

"Why the confederation of African football have this tournament at this time, I don't know. I don't think it is sensible." This year's tournament begins on January 10. Hull are also expected to have Kamel Ghilas (Algeria) and Daniel Cousin (Gabon) involved.