Barely one week before the start of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria, the Gambia Football Association (GFA) has named the final squad for tournament, following a successful three-week training camp in the United Kingdom.

The two time Africa U-17 champions that will be without the services of 11 key players from the previous side that guided the country to its second Africa U-17 championship title in Algeria arrives in Nigeria Today.

But another surprise news that is hitting the headlines recently, is the exclusion of arguably one of the team’s best player, Saihou Gassama, whose name has not be included in the final list of the 21 man-squad that is already in Nigeria. They will be playing their opening game of the competition against Iran on Sunday.

The six other players that have been dropped by coach Tarik Siagy after the U.K training Camp are Saikou Janneh - Bakau United, Assan Ceesay - Gamtel, Mamudou S. Bojang - Brikama United, Lamin Jallow alias Beck of Bakau United, and Saihou Gassama of GPA.

Ousman Darboe - Africell FC, Baka Ceesay – Gamtel, Ebrima Saho - Africell FC, Lamin Sarjo Samateh - Samger, Kemo Fatty - Sea View, Lamin Samateh alias (Bassmen) of Steve Biko, Lamin Gibba -Wallidan, Ismaila Suwaneh - GPA, Bakary Bunja Sanyang - Lamin United FC, Demba Cris Janneh - Steve Biko, Babucarr Savage - Armed Forces, Kissima Bojang - Samger, Pateh Nyang - Sea View, Sanusi Jabi - Gamtel, Dawda Ceesay - Hawks, Omar Bojang - Africell, Ebrima Bojang of Dakar side Yeggo FC, Babu Sama Armed Forces and Buba Jallow commonly called (Melez) of Samger are the players that will represent the country in the FIFA U-17 world cup in Nigeria. Alieu Darboe, who plays in France with Lemans Academy, is the only foreign based player that make up the team.

This will be the baby Scorpions’ second appearance in the world’s most prestigious championship having represented the country in Peru in 2005.