German first division club VfL Wolfsburg have said they will not release Nigeria striker Jonathan Akpoborie for next month's Olympic soccer tournament. Akpoborie, like Arsenal's Kanu, has been picked for Nigeria's preliminary Olympic squad as an overaged player.

Wolfsburg coach Wolfgang Wolf (yes, that's his name) was quoted by newspaper Bild am Sonntag as saying that the 31-year old striker would not be allowed to go to Sydney. "I know how important it is for Jonny to play for his country but I think it would be better if he ended his international career," said the Wolfsburg coach.

Like Wolfsburg, Arsenal wants their player to stay in Europe during the Olympics. In order to keep Kanu available for Arsenal, the club will make new contact with Nigerian coach Jo Bonfrere this week.