The strength of the Nigerian U17 team has been depleted after the mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging test popularly called the MRI test introduced by FIFA to curb the menace of age cheat claimed five regular players.
Players of the team underwent the test last week ahead of their campaign at the Africa U17 Qualifiers tournament in Niger Republic and the result was released two days back to the players by the technical crew of the team.
Led by coach Manu Garba, the technical crew painfully announced the name of five players who have been pivotal in their training plans among the players who failed the test, hence ruling them out of the tournament.
Reacting to the test result, Manu Garba said they will work hard to make up for the absence of the players : ” It’s unfortunate because they have been with us for a while but we will work hard to make up for their absence. They wil be missed but we are confident of finding capable replacement “, he told Owngoalnigeria.com in a phone conversation.
Osas Mahawi
