Kanu has been called up for the World Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone on the 21st, and FIFA rules allow Nigeria to insist on his turning up 5 days beforehand (ie the day before our quarter-final in Spain).

NFA press officer Austin Mgbolu said, "We received a fax message from Arsenal yesterday requesting that Kanu be allowed to play in their Champions League match against Valencia next week". He added that Dutch-born Bonfrere had been informed of the request and "he is still considering it." Typically, Nigeria's position is far from clear. Another spokesman is quoted in today's Mirror as having said yesterday. "We will not agree to any compromise - we need Kanu and Arsenal do not have any choice."

Nigeria are understandably twitchy, after some poor results in qualifying so far. If they were to lose to Sierra Leone their hopes of qualifying for Japan/SKorea will have practically gone. And another striker, Victor Agali of Hansa Rostock, has already withdrawn through injury.

But with Bergkamp unlikely to travel, Arsenal's need is just as great. Kanu is bound to feel that playing for us a few days beforehand is unlikely to do his sharpness any harm, and he is of course keen to get us through to the semis. "I do not want to miss the Arsenal match. I hope we can work something out because they are both important games. It's very difficult for me."

If Nigeria don't agree to compromise, and Kanu decides not to tell them to shove it, we can only hope that Bergkamp gets rested against Middlesbrough on Saturday, and sent on his way to Spain instead.