I am worried about the happenings in our football circle . I doubt if those in authority are disturbed as I am, that a country that have won the U-17 World cup five times cannot win the U-20 trophy, neither can we get to the quarter finals of the Senior World Cup.

I have asked myself some rhetorical questions, that I came to the conclusion that it is nothing, but what the Yorubas call "afi owo fa" ( we use our hands cause am). 

Yes, our not winning the U20 World Cup and not ever going beyond the second round in the Senior World Cup , and now struggling to qualify for major tournaments among minnow football playing nations, makes it more worrisome. 

The truth remains, that we ate our cakes, and wanted to have it. We use our expected wives as girl friends. We cheat a lot at age grade tournaments making it absolutely difficult for us to thrive in the future. 

Few days ago, a picture went viral on the social media of a player, who happened to be the captain of an U-19 team of a state in the ongoing N-Youth tournament in the country . 

Mere looking at the player will show that he is not less 30 years. But, in this part of the world, how do we determine the age of a player, where statistical datas are not available.

Age cheating in football is a pervasive issue that has significant implications for the integrity of the sport, the welfare of players, and the overall development of football talent. This unethical practice, which involves players misrepresenting their age to gain competitive advantages. Unknown to them, it has a far-reaching consequences not only for the players involved but also for clubs, national teams, and football’s governing bodies. 

Age cheating in football, has its implications on our football development, competitive fairness, and the broader societal context.

Age cheating typically involves players lying about their age to participate in competitions that are intended for younger athletes. This is often seen in youth and junior competitions, where age restrictions are strictly enforced. Players may resort to this deception for various reasons, including the desire for early professional opportunities, enhanced visibility to scouts, or the potential for financial gain.

Age cheating is not a new phenomenon; it has been documented in various forms for decades. In countries where football is a prominent sport, particularly in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia, the pressure to succeed at a young age can lead to this unethical practices. Historical cases, such as those involving youth tournaments and national teams, have highlighted the ongoing struggle against this issue.

FIFA had imposed bans and sanctions on various countries due to age cheating in football, particularly in youth competitions. 

Nigeria has faced multiple sanctions related to age cheating, particularly in youth tournaments. The Nigerian Football Federation has been fined and teams disqualified from competitions after players were found to be overage.  In 2014, Ghana was banned from participating in the African U-17 Championship after fielding overage players in previous tournaments. This decision highlighted ongoing issues with age verification in youth football. South Africa’s U-17 team was disqualified from the African U-17 Championship in 2013 due to age-related discrepancies among their players. In 2011, Zimbabwe was banned from participating in youth competitions due to allegations of fielding overage players. Cameroon has faced scrutiny and sanctions over age cheating allegations, particularly in youth competitions, leading to fines and disqualifications.

These cases illustrate the challenges FIFA faces in enforcing age regulations and maintaining the integrity of youth competitions.

Unknown to perpetrators of these devilish acts, these undermines the talent identification process within youth football. Coaches and scouts often rely on age classifications to evaluate player potential. When older players compete against younger ones, it skew perceptions of talent, leading to misallocated resources and opportunities. Younger players, who are genuinely eligible, may find themselves at a disadvantage when competing against older, more physically developed individuals. This can stunt their growth and development, as they are unable to compete on a level playing field. The result is a generation of players who may not receive the necessary training and experience to thrive.Young players who are subjected to age cheating may experience diminished self-esteem and motivation. When they consistently lose to older competitors, it can lead to frustration and disillusionment, potentially causing them to abandon the sport altogether.

The Football regulatory bodies faces significant challenges in combating age cheating. Implementing effective regulations is complicated by the difficulty of verifying ages accurately. The existence of dubious documentation and a lack of standardized age verification protocols has hindered the enforcement efforts.

Age cheating has had a devastating effect on our senior national teams. A cursory look at the numbers of years that the country had won the U.17 World cup, and the graduation of such players to the senior national team, shows that something is wrong with our system.

1994, when the Super Eagles qualified for their the first World cup in USA, no single member of the history making U16 World cup team made it to the World Cup nine years after.

As at 1998 World Cup in France, only Mobi Okparaku and Kanu Nwankwo made it from the 1993 U. 17World Cup winning team. The circle has continued till date. Now, the Super Eagles struggles to get to major tournaments. 

These issues are related to the immense pressure on young footballers to succeed. This pressure often leads to a culture of winning at all costs, where age cheating becomes a rationalized means to an end. Such attitudes can perpetuate unethical behavior across various levels of sport, influencing not only football but other athletic disciplines as well. 

Players who engage in age cheating may experience short-term gains, such as contracts and visibility, but these often come with long-term consequences. When the truth comes to light, they may face bans, loss of contracts, and damage to their reputations. This can lead to a career marked by instability and mistrust.

As ways to reduce the age cheat in our football, there should be an Improved age verification systems
which is essential in combating age cheating. This could involve the use of biometric data, standardized documentation, and rigorous audits of player records. Such measures would help ensure that players are competing in the appropriate age categories.

There is also need to create awareness about the negative consequences of age cheating among players, coaches, and clubs. This educational programs can promote ethical behavior and highlight the importance of fair play, emphasizing that long-term success is built on genuine talent and development.

Support should be given to the Ibrahim Gusau Talent Development Program which will go along in create a decent pool for the various national teams, and reverting to the system that produced the likes of Iheanacho, Awoniyi, Ejuke among others.

Age cheating in football poses significant challenges that undermine the integrity of the sport, the development of young talent, and the principles of fair competition. As the global football community grapples with this issue, it is crucial to implement robust measures that promote ethical behavior, foster genuine talent development, and ensure that the football remains a platform for all players to compete fairly. Addressing age cheating requires a collective effort from players, clubs, federations, and fans to uphold the values that make football a beloved sport worldwide. By prioritizing integrity and fairness, the football community can work towards a brighter future for the next generation of players, and our Super Eagles will be more beneficial.