Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been handed a major boost ahead of the WAFU-B U17 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, with all 20 players passing the mandatory MRI age tests, Footynaija.com reports.
The clearance means coach Manu Garba will have his full squad available when the five-time world champions kick off against Benin Republic on 24 September in Yamoussoukro.
The tests, conducted by CAF’s medical team on Thursday, had been a key hurdle before the competition.
With that cleared, Garba’s side will now turn their focus to Group B, where they will also face Burkina Faso. Group A features hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Niger Republic.
Garba, who famously guided Nigeria to U17 World Cup glory in 2013 with future Super Eagles stars Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi, has set qualification for the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations as his primary goal.
“I’m proud of the boys, and I know they are all ready to represent this country. They are not only ready to represent the country, but also to qualify for the under-17 AFCON, which is the main objective of us going to this WAFU tournament,” he said.
Nigeria’s preparations have been encouraging, recording ten wins, two draws and just one defeat from 13 friendlies, with 25 goals scored and only five conceded.
With Garba’s pedigree and the squad’s strong form, the Eaglets will be confident of ending a six-year wait to return to the global stage.