Sports
FIFA Begins Tests To Check Age Cheat
Cheating in age group competition may become a thing of the past if FIFA’s moves to clamp down on the use of over age players in youth competition becomes effective.
This is coming on the heels of several complaints and allegation that most countries engage players who are over the stipulated age for a given competition, especially U-17 comeptitions.
Now FIFA has begun a study on whether Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests can help determine the age of players in youth womens football.
Fifa expert Dr Yacine Zerguini of Algeria who is currently in Tanzania to execute one of the exercises in collaboration with the Tanzania Football Medical Committee, said in Dar es Salaam at the weekend that the research seeks to crack down on ‘age cheats’ in women’s football.
“The problem of age cheating in Under-17 and Under-20 tournaments is widely reported, this is why we have to think of solutions. This research project which is being carried in five continents aims to determine age of players in youth women football.”
“MRI of the wrist is a simple, reliable, valid and non-invasive method of age determination in young male football players, and now FIFA wants to find out if the technique can be used in women football,” he said.
Zerguini explained on how the study has been conducted saying: “We’re carrying MRI scans of players wrists and by measuring the fusion of bones will be able to determine whether they are actually under 17.”
He said the fusion of bones normally takes place for people who are above 17 years, which means if the fusion of bones has already taken place in the player’s wrist, she must have passed that age.
Zerguini, who was accompanied by Dr Sylvester Faya, the chairman of TFF Medical Committee, said Tanzania was selected to represent the Africa continent in the study in which 130 players will be involved from each of the five countries.
Brazil was selected from South America, Canada for North America, Thailand for Asia, while Belgium represents Europe.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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