There are very strong instructions that a majority of foreign pros who will feature for Nigeria at the Rio Olympics could well be excused from the month-long Atlanta training camp.
The training camp in Atlanta is from June 29 to July 29, when most pros will be busy with pre-season at their various European clubs.
AfricanFootball.com has now scooped that the pros will be expected to feature in the team’s friendly against another Rio-bound team Mexico on July 2 after which they will be allowed to return to their various clubs and are then expected back in time for a final test game against Honduras on July 27.
We first broke the story that coach Samson Siasia has already reached an agreement with Arsenal for Alex Iwobi to join up with the Olympic team after his pre-season with the London Gunners.
Players from the Nigeria league formed the bulk of Siasia’s team who won the U23 AFCON in Senegal in December to qualify for the Rio Olympics.
But it is expected now that overseas-based professionals will dominate the final squad to Brazil.