Nigerian underage football has been hit with a scandal ahead of an under-17 qualifier game as 26 our of 60 players tested have failed age tests.
The starting XI for the Eagles have been decimated with just two players left from the starting side. It is a major blow for a team who won the under-17 World Cup for a record fifth time last year.
The MRI tests carried out are considered 99% accurate for kids up to 17 years of age and this is a major blow as many of the players have already left their base.
“It is a disaster,” said one official to Africanfootball.com.
“Virtually the first team the coaches have been working on have been disqualified. It’s a serious problem.”
"Several of the players were in tears and total shock when the final results came through," adds Samm Audu's report on Africanfootball.com.
"Among those who flung the age test was a star striker, who came through the national U15 team and has been outstanding in training leading up to Saturday’s AFCON qualifier.
"Another promising player disqualified only recently forced his way into the starting XI of coach Manu Garba’s team after a late call-up."
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