Ahead of the 2015 FIFA U- 17 World Cup in Chile , World Football ruling body,FIFA has charged , Nigeria Golden Eaglets to safe guard their health by staying away from drugs not prescribed by their team doctor.
As defending Champions, Nigeria rank high among the favorites in the Youth Championship which is in it’s 16th edition this year.
While briefing the players and officials in a formal meeting at the team’s Double Tree By Hilton Hotel, a team of FIFA officials made up of the General Coordinator, Mario Monterrosa , FIFA Medical Officer Dr. Yacine Zerguini and FIFA Refree Instructor, Esse Baharmest, explained with video presentations the rules and regulations to be followed throughout the duration of the tournament.
During the presentation, Dr. Yacine, a leading orthopedic surgeon and a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) medical team, emphasized the need for the young African Ambassadors to shun advise from individuals other than their coaches and team doctor.
“I want to advise you against taking any drug not recommended by your team doctor not even supplements some people would advise would allow you score 10 goals,” advised the vastly experienced Algerian who is one of FIFA’s leading orthopedic surgeons and also a member of Confederation of African Football (CAF) medical committee. “There is a need to play safe and with integrity; and this is always the objective of FIFA ,”said Monterrosa.” Of course, there is need to play clean and follow the rules of the game in true spirit of sportsmanship and that is why this meeting is important.”
The Golden Eaglets historically is leading the way and had the edge over their European and South American rivals in the championship , with four tournaments title to their credit.
A total of 504 young teenage players from 24 countries will participate in this year’s tournament running from October 17 to November 8, 2015.
