Super Eagles youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, has opted out of representing Nigeria at this summer’s Rio Olympics in favour of returning to Manchester City ahead of the coming season.
Iheanacho, 19, is now considered an indispensable member of the City squad after impressing in his debut season at the Etihad.
The forward who scored 14 goals last term is currently holidaying in Nigeria and was expected to link-up with the Dream Team VI squad preparing for the football event of the showpiece.
But instead, Iheanacho has now decided to return to Manchester after his club declined the request by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to release the player.
The left-footed forward who has already represented Nigeria at two lower levels, was looking forward to making Samson Siasia’s team to the South American nation.
But he was forced to reconsider after City’s refusal – with new boss, Pep Guardiola, set to resume on July 1.
City claim they are not under any obligation to release the forward after Guardiola instructed available players to take part in pre-season.
Iheanacho is hoping to impress the former Barcelona boss especially with the club constantly linked with two forwards – Nolito and Leroy Sane.
The Olympic tournament, which is for Under-23 players, starts on August 3, which would mean Iheanacho missing a big chunk of pre-season as well as the club’s summer tour of China.
