The faces in that picture, I mean the picture of the Zambian team's arrival leaves me speechless... So it's those "children" that beat Algeria home and away?
What a Waawu!!
Skill for skill, I know they can't match us, so I'll just ask people like V. Moses, Ndidi, Onazi, Balogun and Ighalo to add a little more physicality to their game, and those kids won't even get on the ball Talk less of running with it.

Under-17 World Cup: Age cheats under scanner on global stage
AGENCIES
Published : Oct 5, 2017, 5:00 am IST
Updated : Oct 5, 2017, 5:01 am IST

With the absence of Nigeria, and with three-time winners Brazil weakened, the tournament is regarded as open and unpredictable.

England players at a tune-up session in Kolkata on Wednesday. They face Chile on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)
England players at a tune-up session in Kolkata on Wednesday. They face Chile on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: The Under-17 World Cup starting in India on Friday should feature only players born this century, but officials are taking no chances after title holders Nigeria were caught in a major age-cheating scandal.

All players at the competition, which has helped launch the careers of Neymar, Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, will have their wrists scanned by MRI to check they weren’t born before January 1, 2000.

The measure was confirmed after Nigeria, who have won the tournament a record five times, bombed out of qualifying after they lost 26 squad members who were found to be over-age ahead of a key clash in August.

Age fraud is also rampant in other countries, according to football officials, prompting Fifa to bring Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment to the 17th edition of the tournament, which is taking part in six Indian cities.

MRI scans can determine whether a player is below 17 with 99 per cent accuracy, experts say, as they can show whether he or she has stopped growing — which usually happens after 17.

“While it is the responsibility of each member association to ensure that their players meet the age requirements, Fifa has decided to conduct magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist at its U-17 competitions,” said a Fifa spokesperson.

Play gets under way on Friday in New Delhi, where two-time champions Ghana play Colombia at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, while New Zealand clash with Turkey in Mumbai.

With the absence of Nigeria, and with three-time winners Brazil weakened, the tournament is regarded as open and unpredictable.

England prodigy Sancho joins team
In Kolkata, Borussia Dortmund’s English midfielder Jadon Sancho joined his team mates for the tournament’s group league stage.

Sancho was named player of the tournament at the U-17 Euros earlier this year, where England finished runners-up, losing in the final to Spain on penalties.

Sancho joined the team’s first official practice, four days ahead of their Cup opener against Chile.

Sancho did not travel with the team as he arrived separately after getting a last-minute release from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

The London-born teenager has scored 13 goals in 16 games for England and is expected to be a key player if they are to progress to the last 16 in a “group of death’ featuring twice champions Mexico, Chile and Asian winners Iraq.

Mexico arrive
Mexico reached Kolkata on Wednesday following a pre-conditioning camp in Spain. The 21-member El Tri were accompanied by a 16-strong staff including chief coach Mario Arteaga.

Mexico, who open their campaign against Asian champions Iraq on March 8, were the last to arrive here from the Group F teams.

Here "5-0" is the scoreline (in favour of the Eagles) I saw in my dream this past night. I don't know if it's gonna play out exact same way but victory for the Eagles obvious.

BTW, has the central defense pair of Balo and Ekong ever conceded from an open play? I guess no, and neither has it given away any penalty nor a free kick that resulted to a goal in any competitive match.

ChrisKels:
Here "5-0" is the scoreline (in favour of the Eagles) I saw in my dream this past night. I don't know if it's gonna play out exact same way but victory for the Eagles obvious.

BTW, has the central defense pair of Balo and Ekong ever conceded from an open play? I guess no, and neither has it given away any penalty nor a free kick that resulted to a goal in any competitive match.

Amen to your dream. I have tried to dream the match but it ain't coming. How do you guys do it? Joebie haven't you dreamt yet?

They conceded against Algeria.

Loogan:
Under-17 World Cup: Age cheats under scanner on global stage
AGENCIES
Published : Oct 5, 2017, 5:00 am IST
Updated : Oct 5, 2017, 5:01 am IST

With the absence of Nigeria, and with three-time winners Brazil weakened, the tournament is regarded as open and unpredictable.

England players at a tune-up session in Kolkata on Wednesday. They face Chile on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)
England players at a tune-up session in Kolkata on Wednesday. They face Chile on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: The Under-17 World Cup starting in India on Friday should feature only players born this century, but officials are taking no chances after title holders Nigeria were caught in a major age-cheating scandal.


All players at the competition, which has helped launch the careers of Neymar, Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, will have their wrists scanned by MRI to check they weren’t born before January 1, 2000.

The measure was confirmed after Nigeria, who have won the tournament a record five times, bombed out of qualifying after they lost 26 squad members who were found to be over-age ahead of a key clash in August.


Age fraud is also rampant in other countries, according to football officials, prompting Fifa to bring Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment to the 17th edition of the tournament, which is taking part in six Indian cities.

MRI scans can determine whether a player is below 17 with 99 per cent accuracy, experts say, as they can show whether he or she has stopped growing — which usually happens after 17.

“While it is the responsibility of each member association to ensure that their players meet the age requirements, Fifa has decided to conduct magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist at its U-17 competitions,” said a Fifa spokesperson.

Play gets under way on Friday in New Delhi, where two-time champions Ghana play Colombia at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, while New Zealand clash with Turkey in Mumbai.

With the absence of Nigeria, and with three-time winners Brazil weakened, the tournament is regarded as open and unpredictable.

England prodigy Sancho joins team
In Kolkata, Borussia Dortmund’s English midfielder Jadon Sancho joined his team mates for the tournament’s group league stage.

Sancho was named player of the tournament at the U-17 Euros earlier this year, where England finished runners-up, losing in the final to Spain on penalties.

Sancho joined the team’s first official practice, four days ahead of their Cup opener against Chile.

Sancho did not travel with the team as he arrived separately after getting a last-minute release from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

The London-born teenager has scored 13 goals in 16 games for England and is expected to be a key player if they are to progress to the last 16 in a “group of death’ featuring twice champions Mexico, Chile and Asian winners Iraq.

Mexico arrive
Mexico reached Kolkata on Wednesday following a pre-conditioning camp in Spain. The 21-member El Tri were accompanied by a 16-strong staff including chief coach Mario Arteaga.

Mexico, who open their campaign against Asian champions Iraq on March 8, were the last to arrive here from the Group F teams.

Why these particular references to Nigeria

Icon4s:


Why these particular references to Nigeria

Because na we do am pass

Icon4s:


I speak Igbo, Yoruba, Efik, Urhobo, English, Arabic and of course pidgin.

Arabic?

Kog45:
Arabic?

Yeah

Icon4s:


Yeah

That's lovely

Icon4s:


Yeah

Good,pls tell me how u learn Arabic coz is not easy to speak Arabic if u are not Muslim.

Icon4s:


Why these particular references to Nigeria

It was particularly annoying to me, because a lot of other countries age cheat, and they failed to mention the fact that our last two u-17 sets were some of the youngest in the competition...It has come to a point where, it is easy and common for the world media to label us with negative things.

Kog45:
Good,pls tell me how u learn Arabic coz is not easy to speak Arabic if u are not Muslim.

I took interest in it at Secondary school and learnt it. Although our wicked French Teacher drove us into it. We had an option of French or Arabic

I love their letterings and learnt it from using the common "Abjadi" sequence ie starting with "a" (alif) and ending with "gh". I am sure you know the lettering are from right to left and you also read from right to left. It was quite challenging as a Christian but I managed to learn the words to some extent. Till date when I see Arabic inscriptions or words I manage to pronounce some of them. Some of my in-laws are Muslims and are always amazed at the way I pronounce their children's Arabic names.

But note one thing: Arabic is different from Islam. It is a language just like Spanish, Latin or French etc.

Icon4s:


I speak Igbo, Yoruba, Efik, Urhobo, English, Arabic and of course pidgin.

only you!!!!!!! Chaiii, iszoky

good say you no sabi ISOKO

Icon4s:


I took interest in it at Secondary school and learnt it. Although our wicked French Teacher drove us into it. We had an option of French or Arabic

I love their letterings and learnt it from using the common Abjadi sequence ie starting with a (alif) and ending with gh. I am sure you know the lettering are from right to left and you also read from right to left. It was quite challenging as a Christian but I managed to learn the words to some extent. Till date when I see Arabic inscriptions or words I manage to pronounce some of them. Some of my in-laws are Muslims they are always amazed the way I pronounce their children's Arabic names.

But note one thing: Arabic is different from Islam. It is a language just like Spanish, Latin or French etc.

Yea I know Arabic is different from Islam but quite a number of Muslim speak and write it without issues.

do4luv14:



only you!!!!!!! Chaiii, iszoky

good say you no sabi ISOKO

I can manage to make some meanings when I hear people speak it.

I worked extensively in the Niger-Delta. The only major language there I don't understand "jack" in is the Ijaw (Ijo) language. Too fast a language. Sounds like speaking in tongue: labrabrabrama mebrabrabra like that . I don't know who composed that language sef. I give am hand.

I understand Itsekiri so perfectly well. I Speak it too and even forgot to add it to my list of languages.

Kog45:
Yea I know Arabic is different from Islam but quite a number of Muslim speak and write it without issues.

Yes because the Quran is Written in Arabic and so they MUST learn the language so as to be able to read their Holy Book.

If our Holy Bible was written only in Spanish for eg, same way we would have be obligated to learn the Spanish language so as to be able to read the bible.

The thing about languages is it requires interest and devotion. You can learn any language even Chinese even as difficult and as complex as the letters appear if you put your resources into it.

Then there is also another factor: Some people are naturally gifted at languages.

Icon4s:


I can manage to make some meanings when I hear people speak it.

I worked extensively in the Niger-Delta. The only major language there I don't understand "jack" in is the Ijaw (Ijo) language. Too fast a language. Sound like speaking in tongue: labrabrabrama mebrabrabra like that . I don't know who composed that language sef. I give am hand.

I understand Itsekiri so perfectly well. I Speak it too and even forgot to add it to my list of languages.

hahahahahaha........ Abeg oooooo speaking in tongues

that's how it is, even sometimes, I can't begin to help it, but though they Re speaking gibberish

Icon4s:


I speak Igbo, Yoruba, Efik, Urhobo, English, Arabic and of course pidgin.

I speak Igbo, Uhrobo /Isoko, basic molue Yoruba and Waffy undiluted pidgin.

how much is the akwa-ibom governor paying per goal scored this time around?

So shld we start derailing did thread by letting us knw d types of language we speak



OK as for me,I speak 62 languages

Goke7:
how much is the akwa-ibom governor paying per goal scored this time around?

Same $10,000

nelszx:


Same $10,000

hmmm

Loogan:
Under-17 World Cup: Age cheats under scanner on global stage
AGENCIES
Published : Oct 5, 2017, 5:00 am IST
Updated : Oct 5, 2017, 5:01 am IST

With the absence of Nigeria, and with three-time winners Brazil weakened, the tournament is regarded as open and unpredictable.

England players at a tune-up session in Kolkata on Wednesday. They face Chile on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)


England players at a tune-up session in Kolkata on Wednesday. They face Chile on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: The Under-17 World Cup starting in India on Friday should feature only players born this century, but officials are taking no chances after title holders Nigeria were caught in a major age-cheating scandal.

All players at the competition, which has helped launch the careers of Neymar, Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, will have their wrists scanned by MRI to check they weren’t born before January 1, 2000.

The measure was confirmed after Nigeria, who have won the tournament a record five times, bombed out of qualifying after they lost 26 squad members who were found to be over-age ahead of a key clash in August.

Age fraud is also rampant in other countries, according to football officials, prompting Fifa to bring Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment to the 17th edition of the tournament, which is taking part in six Indian cities.

MRI scans can determine whether a player is below 17 with 99 per cent accuracy, experts say, as they can show whether he or she has stopped growing — which usually happens after 17.

“While it is the responsibility of each member association to ensure that their players meet the age requirements, Fifa has decided to conduct magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist at its U-17 competitions,” said a Fifa spokesperson.

Play gets under way on Friday in New Delhi, where two-time champions Ghana play Colombia at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, while New Zealand clash with Turkey in Mumbai.

With the absence of Nigeria, and with three-time winners Brazil weakened, the tournament is regarded as open and unpredictable.

England prodigy Sancho joins team
In Kolkata, Borussia Dortmund’s English midfielder Jadon Sancho joined his team mates for the tournament’s group league stage.

Sancho was named player of the tournament at the U-17 Euros earlier this year, where England finished runners-up, losing in the final to Spain on penalties.

Sancho joined the team’s first official practice, four days ahead of their Cup opener against Chile.

Sancho did not travel with the team as he arrived separately after getting a last-minute release from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

The London-born teenager has scored 13 goals in 16 games for England and is expected to be a key player if they are to progress to the last 16 in a “group of death’ featuring twice champions Mexico, Chile and Asian winners Iraq.

Mexico arrive
Mexico reached Kolkata on Wednesday following a pre-conditioning camp in Spain. The 21-member El Tri were accompanied by a 16-strong staff including chief coach Mario Arteaga.

Mexico, who open their campaign against Asian champions Iraq on March 8, were the last to arrive here from the Group F teams.

Firstly,the MRI scanner in itself is 100% accurate in that it can tell bone fusion.

However, the parameters are indicative and not conclusive from which the deductions are made from. For instance the age and bone fusion parameters used by FIFA for Africans are aggregates of Asian and South American racial groups. The impact of environmental, nutritional variables on the physiological make up of individuals causes huge physiological disparities in growth, bone density and fusion.

In this regard a malnourished teenager in Africa may see his bones fuse at 21+ now a teenager in the Western Europe and North America who has had steady diet of milk and even protein supplements will not have the same bone fusion as a Sub Saharan African. Add to that racial differences and it becomes apparent it's far from fool proof.

In 2013 or thereabouts Abuchi Obinwa who was born in the USA failed an MRI scan in Nigeria, and was rejected from the U17 squad. Inexplicable but it happened.

The MRI scan has eradicated the reckless abuse that had been the status quo for many years. Currently the last few years has seen us produce the youngest ever set of U17 players in our history. However, until we can have automatic data capture at birth. Guys will continue to get married to women who are older than them without knowing, old men politicians will claim to be youths, and age cheating will continue.

In addition the obsessive quest for Youth as an indication if outright quality and value in football makes the issue inevitable. Youth is good but it's not everything. That value on youth has scene absurd and obscene huge sums of money exchange hands between clubs for the best youth players.


Where plenty money deh corruption is not far behind.

between IWOBI and MIKEL,who is the better passer of the ball? ''the better passer not who is better''

Napoleon55:
between IWOBI and MIKEL,who is the better passer of the ball? ''the better passer not who is better''

Without question Mikel undisputed champion and legend.

adegwurulez:

He hehe.. Just wanted to know if you learnt or were born into the bolded, but you've clarified.

You just might be my brother from another mother

Wow! That's great.

Nice meeting you Bro. From your name I had concluded that you're Yoruba.

before now players were picked at random for MRIs
But I guess what happened to the Nigerian team made FIFA make it compulsory that
all players be tested just before the tournament kicks off.

Icon4s:


Why these particular references to Nigeria

Mikel better at long passes.

Napoleon55:
between IWOBI and MIKEL,who is the better passer of the ball? ''the better passer not who is better''

nelszx:


Same $10,000

he should get ready to cough out $50,000 this time around

libero808:
before now players were picked at random for MRIs
But I guess what happened to the Nigerian team made FIFA make it compulsory that
all players be tested just before the tournament kicks off.

Random testing ended with the Class of 2009.

100% testing started since 2011.

elyte89:
So shld we start derailing did thread by letting us knw d types of language we speak



OK as for me,I speak 62 languages

Hahaha, you beat someone to this question.

The NFF ��
@ thenff 1h
" This is not time to talk too much. We will do our talking on the pitch on Saturday."- @LeonBalogun #NGAZAM
#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/BIevI3Cuu1