In preparation for the 2024 WAFU B U-17 tournament in Ghana, Nigeria’s U-17 head coach, Manu Garba, faces a daunting task as several players have failed the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test during camp selection.
Confirming the setback, Garba revealed that the initial squad of 54 invited players has been significantly reduced due to the MRI tests, leaving him with challenges in finalizing the team roster.
Addressing the issue, Garba emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that players with authentic U-17 status, verified through official documents and MRI tests sanctioned by the football body, remain in the camp for tournament preparations.
He shed light on the necessity of adhering to strict MRI standards, noting that players from football academies were withdrawn from the camp after their MRI results revealed discrepancies, particularly those falling under Grade 5.
Garba underscored the consequences of attempting to circumvent the process, highlighting the exposure of insincere academies whose players failed to meet the NFF’s MRI requirements.
Furthermore, he reiterated the NFF’s stance on only accepting players within Grades 1 to 4, reiterating the mandate for those on Grade 5 to exit the camp, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards for fair competition.
“Let me clear the air on this matter. The genuine U-17 players, according to their official document made available to the NFF and the MRI tests conducted by the football body, are still in the camp preparing for the WAFU B U-17 tournament.
“When the camp opened last month, the very sincere football academies had to withdraw their players after the MRI tests they conducted showed that their players were on Grade 5. These players had to leave the camp immediately,” Garba told NFF.com.
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