The 32 year old led the team to gold at the 1996 Games in Atlanta and intends to appeal against the decision.

"I want to travel to China to cheer the boys and I told my club but they don't want to let me go," he told www.kickoffnigeria.com

. "When I first asked, they said the team was not in the final.

"I told them that I know the boys will make it to the final because I believe in them. Now that they have done it, I will speak to them again and hopefully, I can still make it to China."

Nigeria face a tough match in the final against Argentina.