Nigeria's Junior D'Tigers Reduced To Seven Players After FIBA Eligibility Setback

Nigeria's Junior D'Tigers Reduced To Seven Players After FIBA Eligibility Setback

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria's Junior D'Tigers were forced to play with only seven available players in their opening game against Egypt at the ongoing FIBA youth competition, where they suffered defeat under difficult circumstances, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to sources close to the FIBA Africa team, Nigeria had initially assembled a full squad in camp ahead of the tournament.

However, five players were ruled ineligible after failing FIBA's mandatory medical age-verification (MRI) screening.

The development left the Nigerian side with just seven eligible players for their opening fixture against Egypt, significantly limiting the team's options throughout the contest.

FIBA requires all participating players in its age-grade competitions to pass the mandatory MRI screening as part of its age-verification process. Players who fail the screening are not permitted to participate in the tournament.

It is yet to be confirmed whether the Junior D'Tigers will continue the competition with only seven players or if FIBA will grant Nigeria a special waiver to register eligible replacement players to strengthen the depleted squad.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is yet to issue an official statement on the situation as uncertainty remains over the team's squad for the remainder of the competition.