is facing allegations of playing ‘bangers’. This time, Nigeria are in the dock over claims that their U-17 captain, Fortune Chukwudi, is actually 25.
Nigeria are currently hosting the U-17 World Cup and are through to the last eight after walloping New Zealand 5-0. The issue of playing overage players in junior events has plagued Africa in recent years, with other nations up in arms.
Now, a former Nigerian international, Adokiye Amiesimaka, has claimed that eight years ago, when he was chairman of Sharks FC, one of his best players was Chukwudi, who said he was 18 at the time.
Although FIFA have introduced MRI scanning to weed out the rule-breakers, Amiesimaka said: “MRI or not, Chukwudi’s football history is common knowledge. If, indeed, a thorough exercise was conducted, then FIFA must review the procedure.”