It's been pointed out to Arseweb that Nigerian international striker Kanu can miss even more Arsenal games the coming season, as he is expected to be picked for his country's qualifying games for the African Nations Cup 2002.

The African football authorities don't base their international 'windows' on the European fixture list, and Kanu has on several occasions been called away on international duty instead of playing for Arsenal. But as the fixtures stand today, Kanu may lose only one extra game!

Nigeria's first qualifier this season is at home to minnows Namibia, and the game takes place just before the start of the Olympic tournament. The Olympic squad may even treat it as extra preparation, and Kanu may be a part of it anyhow.

Then, in the new year, Kanu may play Zambia instead of Chelsea on January 13th. But of the four other Nigeria games, two of them are played on dates set aside for international games in Europe as well. The two last African Cup qualifiers are set for June 2001, after the English league season and the European Cup season have both ended.

Kanu's eventual participation in the home fixture against Chelsea may be open to negotiations with the Nigerian FA, especially since Chelsea may be interested in keeping Celestine Babayaro in London as well.