Over 50 Players Undergo MRI Tests As Côte d’Ivoire U17 Step Up AFCON Build-Up

Over 50 Players Undergo MRI Tests As Côte d’Ivoire U17 Step Up AFCON Build-Up

By Niyi Busari 

Phase 2 Begins with MRI Tests

The Côte d’Ivoire U17 national team has entered Phase 2 of its preparations for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. This crucial stage is dedicated to MRI tests, organized by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) at the Centre for Medical Imaging in Abidjan (CIMA).

On Monday, 9 February 2026, the young players underwent the examinations under the supervision of Dr Cécile Kadjo, CAF medical expert, and Dr Guillaume Diby, team doctor of the Côte d’Ivoire U17 national side.

The primary objective of this phase is to determine the eligibility of players who will continue in the preparation process for the continental competition. More than fifty players have been invited to undergo these medical examinations.

The group consists of:

champions of the UFOA B U17 qualifying tournament held in Yamoussoukro in 2025; and players identified during two external observation camps, drawn from the U17 Championship, Reserve League, Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and Division 3.

To be declared eligible, a player must demonstrate bone maturation consistent with the regulatory age, verified through an MRI scan of the wrist—usually the left—analyzed by a CAF expert or committee.

Any complete fusion of the growth cartilage results in automatic ineligibility. At the team level, the presence of one to three ineligible players leads to their exclusion without replacement, while four or more ineligible cases result in the disqualification of the entire team. These mandatory tests may be conducted at national level or in the host country prior to the competition, in order to ensure strict compliance with CAF eligibility regulations.

These measures are aimed at effectively combating age fraud and guaranteeing sporting fairness, with stringent controls especially as the U17 AFCON approaches.

At the conclusion of this MRI testing phase organized by the FIF, only players declared eligible will continue preparations with the national team.

The FIF has also planned a final MRI test closer to the competition to ensure strict adherence to age requirements and enable Côte d’Ivoire to field duly qualified players, ready to proudly defend the national colours at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations.