Siasia will lead Nigeria at the Olympic Games in Beijing

Nigeria have put two over-age England-based defenders on standby for the Olympic Games in Beijing in August.

Coach Samson Siasia said he would add three over-age players to the under-23 squad for the tournament.

Everton defender Joseph Yobo and Watford's Danny Shittu, who are 27-years-old, were named on a shortlist of seven.

This means they could miss the start of the next English season as the Olympic Games are scheduled for 8-24 August.

Fifa regulations do not oblige clubs to release players for the Olympics but Sepp Blatter, president of football's governing body, has asked for cooperation if players are selected.

Siasia's other possible overage choices are Lokomotiv Moscow striker Peter Odemwingie, Ike Uche of Spanish club Getafe, midfielder Yusuf Ayila from Dynamo Kiev and goalkeepers Austin Ejide and Vincent Enyeama.

Siasia has discounted taking Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who qualifies to play for the under-23s but ignored several call-ups in the qualifying campaign.

Siasia said he called up Mikel for last month's qualifier against South Africa but the Chelsea player did not turn up.

Everton teenager Victor Anichebe made his debut in the 3-0 win in Abuja as a substitute and scored the final goal.