As reported, Kanu has been named in Nigeria's preliminary squad for the Sydney Olympics in September. The Arsenal striker is one of four overaged players in coach Jo Bonfrere's 40-man U23 roster.

The squad will start a three week training camp in the Netherlands next weekend, and will be trimmed down to 18 names before travelling to Australia to defend the 1996 gold medal. Nigeria's first game is scheduled for September 13th, and the final will be played on September 30th.

Secretary general of the Nigerian Football Association, Tijjani Yusuf, told AFP that neither Kanu nor any other of the over-aged players had formally notified the association that they would not be available for the Games.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has earlier made it clear that Kanu is putting his club before his country this time around, and will not travel to the Olympic tournament.

Taribo West, Sunday Oliseh and Jonathan Akpoborie are the other players over the age of 23, but only three of the overaged players may participate in the games. Chelsea's Celestine Babayaro is also picked in the preliminary squad.