Athletes in action: Football, sevens kick off NZ Olympic campaign

New Zealand's Paris Olympics campaign begins overnight, with the men's football team and All Blacks Sevens kicking off pool play in their respective competitions.

The official opening ceremony down the River Seine is scheduled for Saturday morning (NZ time), but some sports will already have seen action.

The NZ men's football team face African qualifiers Guinea at Nice Stadium, needing an early win to keep their playoff hopes alive in a tough group that also includes hosts France and USA.

While the Kiwis earned their entry with an easy victory at the Oceania qualifying tournament, beating Fiji 9-0 in the final, their rivals have had to take a more circuitous route. After finishing fourth at the African Cup of Nations, they had to overcome Indonesia for the final spot in the draw.

Guinea (77th) are ranked ahead of New Zealand (94th) on FIFA men's rankings, although the Olympic tournament is contested by U23 teams, with three players allowed over the age limit. France (second) and USA (16th) are expected to advance, although the Oly Whites reached the quarterfinals at Tokyo three years ago.

Guinea has former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita in their squad.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks Sevens face Japan and South Africa at Stade de France, after a rollercoaster ride through the World Rugby series this year. The Japanese did not contest the men's circuit and were winless at their home Games, but shocked New Zealand en route to the Rio 2016 semis.

South Africa will present a much tougher challenge, after finishing sixth at the series finale in Madrid, two spots behind the Kiwis.

New Zealand took silver at Tokyo, losing to defending champions Fiji in the final, while South Africa fell to Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Ireland complete their Paris pool, with two teams from each of three group progressing, along with the best third-placed side.

3am

Men's football: New Zealand v Guinea at Nice Stadium

4am

Men's sevens: New Zealand v Japan at Stade de France

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