Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have completed the mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) screening of their players ahead of the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship in Burkina Faso.

The age-verification exercise, which is a key requirement for participation in the regional youth competition, was concluded by the Nigerian team following several weeks of preparations in Abuja.

A source close to the team told SavidNews Newspaper that the technical crew has now completed the medical and age-verification process, with attention turning to the submission of Nigeria’s final 26-man squad for the championship.

According to the source, the final list is expected to be forwarded next week as the coaching staff continues its assessment of the players in camp.

The technical crew has used the extended camping period in Abuja to assess the available talents, work on the team’s tactical structure and identify the players considered capable of representing Nigeria at the regional tournament.

The completion of the MRI process is expected to give the coaches greater clarity as they move towards the final selection, with competition for places likely to intensify before the squad is submitted.

The 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship is scheduled to take place in Burkina Faso in October, with seven nations expected to battle for regional supremacy and the available continental qualification places.

Nigeria will compete alongside hosts Burkina Faso, Ghana, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger Republic and Togo.

The tournament carries added importance because the WAFU B zone has two qualification tickets for the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Golden Eaglets must therefore navigate the group stage and knockout rounds successfully to finish among the two teams that will earn qualification for the continental championship.

For Nigeria, securing a place at the CAF U-17 AFCON would provide another opportunity for the Golden Eaglets to continue the country’s long tradition of competing at the highest level of African youth football.

With the MRI screening now completed, attention has shifted to the final selection, as the coaching crew prepares to submit the 26 players who will carry Nigeria’s hopes at the WAFU B championship.