Twenty-six (26) Nigeria U17 players fail MRI test; first XI depleted

AfricanFootball.com has exclusively reported that 26 players out of the 60 Nigeria U17 team team failed the mandatory MRI screening conducted last week.

Nigeria Football Federation officials are disturbed because those who failed the age test are the ones who dominated the Eaglets starting XI.

Only two members of Manu Gariba’s starting XI passed the test.

This is a huge blow for the defending FIFA U17 World champions preparing to play a 2017 African Junior Championship qualifier against Niger on 05 August.

“It is a disaster,” exclaimed one devastated official.

“Virtually the first team the coaches have been working on have been disqualified. It’s a serious problem.”