Nigeria late for Malaysia tourney

Coach Samson Siasia has been concerned about preparations

The Nigeria Olympic team's opening game against Iraq in the Intercontinental Cup invitational tournament in Malaysia has been postponed.

The match was to have taken place on Thursday, but Nigeria are only expected to arrive that day.

The fixture against Iraq has been moved to 21 May.

The competition will form part of the team's preparations for the Beijing Olympics in August.

The tournament also includes Togo, who were late replacements for Ghana.

The Nigeria squad is made up of 13 players from the domestic league and seven overseas-based players, including Edward Ofere from Malmo in Sweden.

Emmanuel Sarki of Belgian club Westerlo is also in the squad.

As well as Iraq, Nigeria will play hosts Malaysia and the Republic of Ireland, while Togo's group includes Australia, Croatia and Chile.

Nigeria will play Holland, Japan and the United States in the group stage of the Olympic football tournament in August.