Olympic call-ups for Kanu and Babayaro

Kanu in action for Nigeria against Denmark in 1998

Arsenal striker Kanu and Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro have been selected in Nigeria's provisional squad for the Sydney Olympics, the Nigerian Football Association confirmed on Wednesday.

The news will come as a particular disappointment to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who last week said Kanu would not be going to Australia as he could miss up to five Premiership games and three Champions League ties.

Chelsea have also clashed with the Nigerian FA over the release of Babayaro for Olympic qualifying games.

If the players decide to answer their nation's call, they will fly to Sydney in the first week of September, and, if Nigeria reach the final on 30 September, they may not return to London until October.

However, Nigerian coach Jo Bonfrere has included more than the three over-aged players allowed for the under-23 competition in his squad to allow for last-minute withdrawals by any of the country's top stars.

Nigeria, led by Kanu, won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.