Ibrahimovic could face Nigeria in Olympics

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been included in Sweden’s 35-man squad for Rio Olympics – Sweden coach Ericson says the chances that Ibrahimovic will be part of the final squad are ‘not so great but there is still a hope’ – He says it would be fantastic to bring Zlatan to the Olympics Zlatan Ibrahimovic could face Nigeria Dream Team VI after he was named in Sweden’s provisional squad for the Rio Olympics. Ibrahimovic inclusion in Coach Hakan Ericson’s 35-man squad for the games means he could also miss the first two games of Manchester United’s Premier League season against Bournemouth and Southampton, following reports he has agreed terms with the Red Devils.

The Swedish team is made up of mostly U23 players, with an allowance for some older players.

The squad will be trimmed to 22 for Rio – where Sweden face Nigeria, Colombia and Japan in Group B – and Ericson says the chances that Ibrahimovic will be part of the final squad are ‘not so great but there is still a hope’. Ericson added: “It could be a new phase in his career; and Zlatan has said that he is willing to wait until after the Euros (to decide). I want to keep open the tiniest gap that might exist, because it would be fantastic to bring Zlatan.”

Ericson’s side will begin their campaign against Colombia on August 4, in Manaus before battling Nigeria on August 7 in the same city. Their final match will be against Japan in Salvador on August 10th. Sweden have won two Olympic football bronze medals : at the 1924 and 1952 games, and gold at the 1948 Game The Rio Olympics football competition will run from August 5 – 22.