Head Coach Manu Garba has debunked rumors of mass failure of MRI test in the camp of the Golden Eaglets as preparations intensify for the forthcoming WAFU B U17 Championship in Ghana, Nigeriasoccernet.com can confirm.
The lead strategist for the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup-winning team has advised Nigerians to ignore reports of significant MRI test failures within his team and instead have faith that his group will assemble a team capable of securing a spot in the Africa U17 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Ghana the following year.
“Let me clear the air on this matter. The genuine U17 players, according to their official document made available to the NFF and the MRI test conducted by the football body are still in the camp preparing for the WAFU B U17 tournament"
"When the camp opened last month, the very sincere football academies had to withdraw their players after the MRI test they conducted showed that their players were in grade 5. These had to leave the camp immediately".
“Those who were not sincere and thought they could find a way through one way or the other have been exposed after the NFF conducted its own MRI a few days ago, and found the results earlier presented by their players before entering the camp did not tally with the requirements of the NFF. The NFF insists on players whose result is between Grade 1 - 4. Players in Grade 5 have been asked to leave the camp.
Garba denied that his camp had been thrown into confusion due to results of the MRI tests.
“The good news is that most of the players recorded good grades in their MRI results done at the NFF-approved medical centre, and the team is looking forward to a favourable outing at the WAFU B U17 tournament in Accra, Ghana.”
Another MRI test will be conducted by the medical team of the Confederation of African Football before the beginning of the tournament.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola