Chelsea's Mikel set for Rio 2016 with Nigeria

John Obi Mikel could miss the opening two matches of Chelsea's season after being allowed to travel with Nigeria's 18-man contingent to Rio 2016.

An exciting generation for the Super Eagles has been hampered by the likes of Watford's Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City, and Arsenal starlet Alex Iwobi not being granted permission to travel to the Summer Olympics. That makes national team captain and midfielder Mikel's inclusion as one of Nigeria's three players over age 23 an especially welcome boost to Samson Siasia's squad.

Nigeria begins its summer commitments against Japan in Group B on Aug. 4. The competition lasts until Aug. 20, when the gold medal match will be played at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

Here's the Nigeria squad for Rio 2016:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United), Emmanuel Daniel (Enugu Rangers)

Defenders: Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin), William Troost-Ekong (Haugesund FC), Ndifreke Udo (Abia Warriors), Saturday Erimuya (Kayseri Erciyesspor), Abdullahi Shehu (CF Uniao), Muenfuh Sincere (Rhapsody FC), Stanley Amuzie (Olhanense FC)

Midfielders: John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Okechukwu Azubuike (Yeni Malatyaspor), Usman Muhammed (CF Uniao), Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense FC), Sodiq Saliu (Seraing FC)

Forwards: Aminu Umar (Osmanlispor), Imoh Ezekiel (Al Arabi), Sadiq Umar (AS Roma), Junior Ajayi (CS Sfaxien)