Get the day's biggest City stories delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Kelechi Iheanacho faces a tough decision after Nigeria made it plain they want him for their Olympics football squad.

The African country's football federation has said its requests for the promising 19-year-old to be released so he can take part in the Games' football tournament have so far not been answered by Manchester City.

No final decision has been taken on whether Iheanacho, who had a great breakthrough season with 14 goals last time out, will go to the Rio Games, but if the player makes it plain he wants to go, the Blues will give it serious consideration.

Clubs have been obliged to release players at previous Olympics, but this time it is at their discretion whether they allow them to go.

But Iheanacho would miss most of City's pre-season and would even be away in Brazil when the campaign kicks off in August 13 if Nigeria progress from the group stage.

Given that, City would be happier to keep him – and with Iheanacho keen to impress incoming manager Pep Guardiola, he is also likely to want to remain in Manchester.

The Olympics are for national under-23 squads and Iheanacho is eligible even though he is now a senior international.

But Nigeria under-23 coach Samson Siasia was unhappy with the situation: “The Nigeria Football Federation has written several letters to them wanting to know when the player would be released for the Games in Brazil but as I speak with you the club has not replied," he said.

“So for now I cannot confidently tell you that Iheanacho would be available for the Olympics, although we are not relenting on the issue as the NFF is fighting tooth and nail to ensure we have our best players for the Olympics.

“Kelechi also told me he is anxious to play in the Olympics and I am sure with much pressure the boy would be released eventually. But for now I cannot tell you he will be in the Olympics.”

An unnamed source said to be close to Iheanacho also said that the player is “scheduled to return to England for pre-season.”

“It will depend on the arrangement the NFF will have with Manchester City which I'm not sure of but I'm sure he will start the pre-season with City,” the source added.

Should City let Kelechi go to the Olympics if he wants to? Have your say below