Name squad or else, Nigerian coach told

Nigeria's Olympic Committee warned coach Jo Bonfrere to name his 18-man soccer squad for the Sydney Olympics on or before Friday or risk his team being barred from the Games.

The Nigerians, currently having their final preparations in the Netherlands, will defend the Olympic soccer title in Sydney.

"All I want is Nigeria's list of soccer players and officials so we can meet the entry deadline otherwise the team could be expelled from the Games," NOC secretary general William Boyd said on Tuesday.

Bonfrere believes the deadline is September 1, not Friday, a spokesman for the Nigerian FA said.

"Bonfrere said FIFA had given a deadline of September 1 for Olympic soccer teams to submit their final squads."

Mgbolu said two new over-age players had been invited to the Olympic training camp.

They are Roda Kerkrade striker Garba Lawal and defender Godwin Okpara from Paris Saint Germain. The duo are in Nigeria's senior team.

The Olympics soccer rules allow three players over the age of 23 to play in the tournament.