26 Nigerian Under-17 Squad Members fail age test

[Rosco]

It's one of those sentences that almost doesn't make any sense.

26 supposedly U17 players have been deem ineligible after failing an age test. Nigeria, who have been caught once for fielding overage players at youth tournaments, and under suspicion on two other occasions have been forced to leave the players behind.

26 of the 60 in the squad failed the mandatory MRI test. The test is considered to be 99% accurate, and looks at whether the bones in a players arm or leg have fused together. If it's completely fused then the player is an adult, and deemed to be over 18.

A Nigerian official commented on the situation:

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

Nigeria have won the FIFA U17 World Cup a record five times - most recently in 2013, and 2015.

 

[manwithnoname]

This is extremely surprising. You'll be telling me Nigeria has a corruption, fraud and bribery problem next.

 

[Rosco]

This is extremely surprising. You'll be telling me Nigeria has a corruption, fraud and bribery problem next.

No i'll be saying you're a racist because you've acknowledged it.

You have to pretend none of this happens

 

[LarryHagman]

Taribo West's probably still in that squad.

 

[manwithnoname]

Their under 14 striker looks quality though

 

[manwithnoname]

No i'll be saying you're a racist because you've acknowledged it.

You have to pretend none of this happens

We don't have anyone that sensitive, ill-informed or cretinous on this website, surely?

 

[Frogfish]

This is extremely surprising. You'll be telling me Nigeria has a corruption, fraud and bribery problem next.

When I first arrived in Nigeria my driver asked me if I wanted a driving licence, I said I did. He then asked me if I wanted it tomorrow or in 3 months time. I said I'd prefer tomorrow, he said that will cost me US$1 to facilitate the processing. True story.

 

[dantes]

Poor the Ejaria

 

[Dreambeliever]

How old was her worst offender?

 

[juniormember]

How old was her worst offender?

Mid-twenties.

 

[Mors]

Their under 14 striker looks quality though

He was 17 when that was taken

 

[Red Bird]

Where is he now? Seems to have disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

 

[Zlate]

Just moved to a Turkish club

 

[Glen C]

We don't have anyone that sensitive, ill-informed or cretinous on this website, surely?

Racist.

 

[ILD]

Where is he now? Seems to have disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

He's in a retirement home.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Mid-twenties.

Ha