Sport: Golden Eaglets players to go through MRI test, says Ugbade

Nduka Ugbade, one of the assistant coaches of the Golden Eaglets, said on Wednesday that the UAE-bound players will undergo a compulsory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test, in line with FIFA’s rules.

The Eaglets are currently in camp at the FIFA Goal Project site in Abuja, in the countdown to the U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirate (UAE).

Ugbade  in Lagos said that the MRI test is to ensure that the players are  within the age range they claim to be.

He also said that the 30 players in the team’s closed camp that were discovered from different parts of the country would be complemented by 70 more players.

“Many young and skillful players are already in camp and are undergoing the two-week programme to select the very best that would make the Golden Eaglets team.

“We do not have a specific number yet on those that would be selected but I promise that the very best of them would be selected.

“The MRI test is used to check their bone components and the state that they are, and to also ascertain their ages, in order to avoid age cheats,’’ he said.

The Golden Eaglets Assistant Coach added that the technical crew was still disposed to having as many players as possible that are interested in being part of the team.

Ugbade, who won the maiden edition of the U-17 World Cup in China in 1985, added that the players were happy and in high spirits for the opportunity being given to them.