Clubs may stop Iheanacho, Iwobi, others from Olympics

Alex Iwobi

Nigeria may not present their best squad in the men’s football event of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, if European clubs insist on holding back some of the country’s players expected to play key roles at the event.

Our correspondent learnt that several players, which include promising youngster Kelechi Iheanacho, who notched 14 goals for Manchester City last season and Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi may be stopped from the trip to Rio by their English clubs.

Chairman, Technical Committee, Nigeria Football Federation, Chris Green, told our correspondent that other key players may also not make the squad for the Olympic Games, if their clubs insist on keeping them back from the Games.

“It’s not only Iheanacho and Iwobi that are affected; Kenneth Omeruo, Victor Moses and Godfrey Oboabona have also been held back by their clubs. But for Williams Troost-Ekong and Moses Simon, it’s a 50-50 situation,” Green stated.

“It’s becoming very difficult but we won’t relent. We will do everything possible to make sure the squad prepares very well technically for the Olympics. I and the federation president have discussed and we are looking at re-presenting the matter to these clubs for them to have a rethink.”

The situation has left Nigeria U-23 team coach Samson Siasia in a dilemma. Siasia, who led the side to a silver medal finish in 2008, is unhappy that Manchester City have failed to reply series of letter from the Nigerian federation for the release of Iheanacho.

“The Nigeria Football Federation has written several letters to them wanting to know when the player would be released for the Games in Brazil but as I speak with you the club has not replied,” Siasia was quoted as saying by Manchester Evening News.

“So for now I cannot confidently tell you that Iheanacho would be available for the Olympics, although we are not relenting on the issue as the NFF is fighting tooth and nail to ensure we have our best players for the Olympics.

“Kelechi also told me he is anxious to play in the Olympics and I am sure with much pressure the boy would be released eventually. But for now I cannot tell you he will be in the Olympics.”

Meanwhile, Iheanacho faces a tough decision after Nigeria insist they need him on the flight to Rio. No final decision has been taken on whether Iheanacho will go to the Rio Games but if the player makes it plain he wants to go, the Blues will give it serious consideration.

But Iheanacho would miss most of City’s pre-season and would even be away in Brazil when the campaign kicks off on August 13 if Nigeria progress from the group stage.

Given that, City would be happier to keep him – and with Iheanacho keen to impress incoming manager Pep Guardiola, he is also likely to want to remain in Manchester.

Clubs have been obliged to release players at previous Olympics, but this time it is at their discretion whether they allow them to go.

The Olympics are for national under-23 squads and Iheanacho is eligible even though he is now a senior international.