Nigeria national U23 coach, Samson Siasia, has given the biggest hint yet that Manchester City starlet, Kelechi Iheanacho, may shockingly miss this summer’s Rio Olympic Games.
Iheanacho, 19, was a revelation last term for the Citizens – scoring 14 goals in his debut season at the Etihad Stadium.
The left-footed forward, alongside fellow Super Eagles regulars, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon, were expected to bolster the Dream Team’s attack to the showpiece.
But continuous snub from City’s management over the player’s availability may hamper his chances of partaking at the tournament.
Man City are yet to make a final decision about Iheanacho’s participation at the showpiece due to the arrival of new coach, Pep Guardiola.
And Siasia is growing frustrated at the antics of the English club and even more perturbed at the prospect of losing the young lad who recently scored twice in two friendlies for the Eagles.
“The Nigeria Football Federation has written several letters to them (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 the 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.”
Siasia, 48, further revealed that the youngster is looking forward to the Olympics and hopes his wish is granted.
“Kelechi told me he is anxious to play in the Olympics and I am sure with much pressure the boy would be released eventually,” he hoped.
“But for now I cannot tell you he will be in the Olympics.”
Nigeria are drawn in Group B alongside Japan, Sweden and Colombia with the event billed for August 4 to 20.
