Chelsea may have set a precedent for Kanu's possible participation in the Olympics. According to the Press Association, Chelsea has refused their left back Celestine Babayaro to take part in a pre-tournament training camp, but they've accepted defeat should he be picked for the Olympic squad.

Chelsea assistant manager, Gwyn Williams, said: "We knew about the situation in January and there is nothing we can do about it."

Chelsea have previously clashed with the Nigerian FA and coach Jo Bonfrere over Babayaro's release for international duty, especially after he, like Arsenal's Kanu, returned late from the African Nations' Cup last season.