Ahead of 2023 African U17 Nations Cup: Eaglets may be subjected to another eligibility test in Algeria

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets may be subjected to another round of eligibility test when they get to Algeria, venue of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria later this year.

This followed the approval by CAF Executive Committee the recommendation by CAF Youth Organizing Committee and CAF Medical Organizing Committee to amend Article 27 of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.

The approved regulation still made it compulsory for teams to go through an eligibility (MRI) test during the qualifying phase.

‘CAF also reserves the right to make the eligibility test as well during the final phase for the twelve teams qualified to the tournament. The cost of the MRI test that will be covered by CAF.’

CAF says a team where at least four of its players fail the test will be disqualified.

‘If after performing the eligibility test (MRI) for a participating team and four (4) or more of its players are found ineligible, the participating team will be disqualified,’ article 27.4 read.

The next article says ‘If after performing an MRI test for a participating team and one (1), two (2) or three (3) of its players are found ineligible, the said player(s) will not be allowed to participate in the competition.

‘The concerned team will be allowed to participate in the competition but is not authorized to replace the ineligible player(s).’

The Golden Eaglets are now expected to arrive Algeria five days before the start of the tournament.