Afcon 2023: Sadiq Umar congratulates Eagles, explains ‘injury’ saga

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Real Sociedad striker Umar Sadiq on Friday congratulated the Super Eagles over host Cote d’Ivoire and offered his version of events amid an injury controversy at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sadiq looked set to play a key role in Nigeria’s attack at the tournament on the back of his return to fitness with La Real this season.

However, Sadiq was sent home from the Nigeria squad after a knee injury was flagged up, and the 26-year-old flew back to San Sebastian.

Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro has admitted to his ‘confusion’ over the injury, after Sadiq came off the bench in La Real’s midweek Copa del Rey win over Osasuna, just days after his return.

Peseiro dismissed rumours of Sadiq wanting to return to Spain over playing at Afcon 2024 and the forward has backed up the claims of a misunderstanding.

Said Sadiq, “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles for their outstanding victory against Cote d’ Ivore I must address the message I have received from fellow Nigerians, accusing me of pretending to be injured to depart the national team just before the Afcon started and return to my club.

‘’I love Nigeria and representing our great nation is both a privilege and an honour. Here is a comprehensive explanation of the situation. In the friendly game against Guinea, I experienced a significant impact from two Guinea defenders leading to a penalty being awarded in favour of Nigeria. Despite the medical team recommending substitution as a preventive measure I insisted I would continue to play and complete the game. The following day, my knee swelled the Super Eagles medical team conducted a thorough examination. The examination revealed a meniscus injury consequently. The manager decided to replace me based on the medical assessment, considering uncertainties about my fitness for the Afcon

“Upon returning to my club,  I underwent a thorough examination and the medical team said that I had only suffered a bruise and as a result, I was clear to resume training

“I give special thanks to Allah and my club Real Sociedad representing Nigeria is always my priority. I will never take it a granted. I would gladly accept it if I could return to the team. I am sad that am not with the team but happy for the winning. I extend my best wishes to the Super Eagles in the ongoing African Nations Cup’’.