[OFF THE POST/OLYMPICS] The United States Men's Olympic team will face a Nigerian team short on hair when the countries meet in Beijing on August 13. Samson Siasia, coach of Nigeria's U-23 Olympic team, has issued a mandate to all of his players: cut your hair or get lost.

"Siasia is a disciplinarian and he wants the players to give their best without any form of distraction," said a team official. "In business, you place less attention to cosmetics. Why should men spend much time in putting their hairdo in order?

"When you have a moderate hairdo, it allows you run freely and discover your rhythm even when on a bad day. Unfortunately, several players with the dreadlocks and weird looks are affected and by today everybody will be equal on the field for both morning and afternoon training program."