Football
Colin Udoh, Special to ESPN 8y

Kelechi Iheanacho named in Nigeria's provisional squad for Olympics

Nigeria have named Kelechi Iheanacho alongside John Obi Mikel, Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo in their provisional squad for this summer's Olympic Games, despite opposition from Manchester City.

The Premier League club are yet to decide whether to release the teenage forward for the tournament, and it is reported he has agreed to stay with City in an effort to impress new manager Pep Guardiola during preseason.

The Olympics takes place from Aug. 4 to 20, meaning Iheanacho would miss a substantial amount of City's preseason schedule and even the start of the Premier League season should Nigeria reach the latter stages.

But Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia is holding out hope, and has listed him in his provisional squad.

Iheanacho was named in a 35-man party, populated largely by players with senior international experience, including Nigeria captain Mikel of Chelsea, Watford striker Ighalo and Arsenal youngster Iwobi.

The squad are expected to gather at a training camp in Atlanta, USA where they will play friendly matches against Mexico under-23 on July 2 and Honduras under-23 on July 27 before the final squad of 18 is named.

Full squad: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa FC), Yusuf Bala (Kano Pillars), Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers), Taiwo Abdulrahman (Kwara United), Ndubuisi Agu (FC Porto), Junior Ajayi (CS Sfaxien), Stanley Amuzie (Olhanense), Taiwo Awoniyi (Frankfurt), Okechukwu Azubuike (Yeni Malatyaspor), Etor Daniel (Enyimba), Augustine Dimgba (Sunshine Stars), William Troost-Ekong (Haugesund FC), Saturday Erimuya (Kayseri Erciyespor), Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense FC), Imoh Ezekiel (Anderlecht), Saviour Godwin (Ostende), Odion Ighalo (Watford), Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Emiloju Julius (MFM), Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Musa Muhammed (Istanbul Basaksehir), Usman Muhammed (Uniao), Wilfred Ndidi (Genk), Erhun Obanor (MFM), Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor), Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea), Sodiq Saliu (Seraing), Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao), Moses Simon (Gent), Seth Sincere (Rhapsody), Ndifreke Udo (Abia Warriors), Aminu Umar (Osmalispor), Sadiq Umar (Roma)

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