The former Nigeria and Bolton captain, 34, is set to make his fourth appearance for the ambitious Coca-Cola Championship club in the third-round tie at the KC Stadium.

He could have been forgiven for thinking he would never pit his wits against the likes of Chelsea again.

When Okocha was allowed to leave Bolton at the end of the 2005/06 season, he accepted a lucrative offer to play for Qatar Sports Club in the Middle East.

The spell boosted his bank balance but did little for his career and the pitifully low crowds left him bitterly frustrated.

So, when Hull boss Phil Brown came calling last month, he was delighted to accept their offer.

Okocha told PA Sport: "It's fantastic to have a game like Chelsea to look forward to and is one of the reasons I came back to England.

"The contract in Qatar was lucrative but hardly anyone turned up to watch the games and it just wasn't the same as playing in this country.

"Facing Chelsea in a cup tie in front of a full house at the KC Stadium is fantastic for everyone at Hull and we're relishing the tie."

Okocha, who did as much as anyone to transform Bolton from perennial strugglers to UEFA Cup qualification, faced Chelsea six times during his Trotters career.

In 2003 he was part of the Bolton side which won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, and he has been watching recent developments at the London club with interest.

"Mourinho's departure was crazy when you look at his record there," said Okocha.

"But that's football and nothing surprises me.

"The manager has gone but it's still the same group of players who are out there on the pitch.

"Managers come and go but that's no reason not to perform and as professionals you have to go out there and do the business."

Given the turmoil which has engulfed Chelsea during the past week, there could hardly be a better time to face the Londoners.

Okocha added: "I don't think they will look forward coming to a place like Hull - and some of their players will not even know where it is."