The injury saga that linked the NFF, Super Eagles and Sadiq Umar has taken another twist as the concerned striker has spoken up days after playing for his club Real Sociedad in Spain.
Sadiq Umar whose contribution to the Super Eagles ahead of AFCON ended abruptly due to injury has shed light on the brouhaha expressing that the result from the Nigerian medical team contradicted what he got from his club.
Umar”s shocking exit due to an injury as coach Jose Peseiro affirmed was meant to take “three weeks” to heal made the NFF make a quick replacement by inviting Paul Onuachu who made the provisional 50-man list but was dropped for the final 25-man squad.
But while Nigerians reacted to the shocking exit of Umar days after Victor Boniface left the squad to an injury, their suspicions grew after the departed striker was found to be training with his Spanish club, Real Sociedad instead of rehabilitation.
Injured” Sadiq Umar trains today again and this time with the full squad at real Soceidad and has been listed in the squad list for midweek La Liga clash against Osasuna pic.twitter.com/102qXRiX3y
— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) January 16, 2024
Meanwhile, when asked, the NFF and Jose Peseiro said they acted based on the advice from the medical team which stated that Umar had a muscle which would sideline him for weeks.
However, Sadiq who played for 16 minutes for Real Sociedad on Monday night has narrated all the ordeals via a letter published on his Instagram page.
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles for their outstanding victory against Ivory Coast. It is imperative for me to address the messages I have received from fellow Nigerians. accusing me of pretending to be injured to depart the national team just before the AFCON and return to my club. Clarifying the situation and providing a detailed account of events is essential.
“I want to express my deep love for Africa and my unwavering affection for Nigeria. Representing our great nation is consistently both a privilege, and an honour. Here is a comprehensive explanation of the situation:
“During the friendly match against Guinea, I experienced a significant impact from two Guinean defenders, leading to a penalty in favour of Nigeria. Despite the medical team recommending substitution for preventive measures, I insisted on continuing to play and completed the game. The following day, my knee swelled. The Super Eagles’ medical team conducted a thorough examination, revealing 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 and undergoing thorough examinations, the medical team revealed that I had only suffered a bruise, and as a result, I was cleared to resume training.
“I give special thanks to my club, Real Sociedad, for supporting my swift recovery and return to play.
“Representing Nigeria is always my priority: I will never take it for granted. I would gladly accept it if I could return to the team. I am sad that I am not with my colleagues but happy they are winning.
“I extend my best wishes to the Super Eagles in the ongoing African Nations Cup.”
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