According to leaks gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com head coach of the Nigeria U-23s Samson Siasia has penciled down Arsenal teen signing Kelechi Nwakali as an emergency cover if Chelsea refuse to release Mikel Obi for Rio 2016 Olympics.
Doubts over Mikel’s availability has heightened over the past few days after confirmation from his agent that Chelsea are yet to respond to Nigeria’s request to have the midfielder as a part of their team for Rio 2016 Olympics.
Owngoalnigeria.com gathered that Siasia is already drawing up back up plans if Chelsea refuse to release the 28 year old with Nwakali who is presently the captain of Nigeria U-20s part of his emergency plans.
Nwakali dominated the midfield of the Nigeria U-23s in a friendly against the U-20s, a performance that caught the attention of Siasia who told some of his assistants he wouldn’t mind having the 17 year old Arsenal bound midfielder in his team.
However at the moment, the coach is still comfortable with the midfielders at his disposal but will consider the midfielder if he suffers further disappointment from players in his 35 man provisional list for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
*Rasheed Michael
