Nigeria's U23 soccer team will open its training camp in the United States ahead of the forthcoming Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said on Friday.

The NFF said its decision was at the behest of coach Samson Siasia who opted for Atlanta, venue of Nigeria's historic triumph in the Olympics football event 20 years ago, in order to "psychologically prepare" his boys for victory in Brazil.

Nigeria has named a 35-man provisional squad which includes Chelsea star Mikel Obi ahead of the camping.

The team will also play a number of friendlies while preparing hard for the Olympic football event, the local football federation said, adding the training program would make it easier for the U23 team's handlers to draw a final list of 18 players for the competition. Enditem

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