JAY-JAY Okocha raised a laugh when he left a video message wishing his team-mates good luck ahead of the Carling Cup decider at Villa Park.

The recording, made before the Reebok skipper left to lead Nigeria's African Nations Cup campaign in Tunisia, featured a clip of one of his fluffed free-kicks, bringing a light-hearted note to ease the tension in the build up to the big game.

"It was a great message from Jay-Jay," stand-in skipper Youri Djorkaeff said, "very funny and very much appreciated."

The Bolton players dedicated the semi-final triumph to Okocha and the suspended Kevin Nolan, who between them scored three of the first leg goals that proved so crucial.

Defender Emerson Thome spoke for his team-mates when he said: "I was glad we were able to give Jay-Jay and Kevin what they asked for -- a place in the final. Jay-Jay will be back for the final and I'm sure he will be proud to lead the team."

Okocha's African Cup of Nations campaign got off to a losing start as his side fell to Youssef Hadji's late winner for Morocco.

The substitute struck 13 minutes from the end of the opening Group D match in Tunisia.

Hadji turned away from Everton defender Joseph Yobo and fired a low shot past keeper Vincent Enyeama's left hand from 12 yards.

The result leaves Nigeria with little room for error in their remaining two group games -- against South Africa on Saturday and Benin next Wednesday.

Okocha, who flew out to join the Super Eagles squad last Thursday after inspiring Wanderers to a Carling Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Aston Villa, had few chances to impress as Morocco snatched control of the match from the start and looked comfortable in defence.

The Wanderers midfielder's attempts to lob balls forward towards Nigeria's front two were seen off by Morocco's dominant central defenders.