Coach of the Nigeria U23 football team Samson Siasia has expressed frustration over Manchester City’s attitude to the release of Kelechi Iheanacho for the 2016 Olympics games billed for August.
Siasia doubts the availability of the youngster for the men’s football event, saying the club is yet to respond to letter soliciting for the release of the player for the games.
The 19-year-old Iheanacho is widely expected to spearhead Nigeria’s bid for gold in Brazil and has personally indicated willingness to be part of the Dream team VI, but the Etihad club are yet to confirm the player’s availability.
“The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has written several letters to [Manchester City] 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 told SportingLife.
“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.”
Nigeria’s Dream Team VI will play in Group B at the Rio 2016 Olympics alongside Sweden, Colombia and Japan.