Nigeria have gone crying to Uncle FIFA to ensure that Kanu plays for them at the Sydney Olympics. 'We have asked FIFA to make sure that Kanu and Babayaro are released to us at least six days before the Olympics in line with FIFA rules concerning players' release for the tournament,' said an NFA spokesman, Austin Mgbolu. 'Their inclusion is final. There will be no replacements for them.'

Nigeria's first game would be on 13 September - that's before the Olympic opening ceremony, incidentally! - when the Super Eagles play Honduras. Depending on how they do in the competition - and let's face it, they're among the favourites - he could miss up to 5 Premiership games (including, depending on his flight times, Chelsea and ManU), and 3 Champions League games.

More from the official Olympic site.

Note: although Nigeria are playing Olympic hardball, they are not playing Olympic softball.