Sadiq Umar's absence after the club match sparks reactions during AFCON
X users are expressing disappointment over the absence of Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar from the ongoing 2023 TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire. This comes after Umar played a match for his club, Real Sociedad.
Unfortunately, Umar sustained a knee injury during Nigeria's 2-0 friendly defeat to the Syli Stars of Guinea, leading to his exclusion from the AFCON. The official Super Eagles account on X announced on Friday that Paul Onuachu would replace Umar in the AFCON 2023 squad, as stated in a tweet: "Sadiq Umar is out of the AFCON 2023 squad due to injury, and Paul Onuachu replaces him."
Nevertheless, a video surfaced on social media depicting Umar engaging in individual training in Spain upon his return, sparking criticism directed at the Nigeria Football Federation.
Umar had participated in the club's 2-0 victory against Osasuna in a Copa del Rey match on Wednesday, contributing 18 minutes of playtime.
In response to the unfolding situation, the NFF's communication department issued a statement on Tuesday, asserting that Umar's situation was handled professionally by the medical team. The statement explicitly refuted any allegations of negligence or unprofessional conduct in relation to the withdrawal of the Spain-based forward.
In response to questions about whether Umar feigned his injury or if the NFF's actions were influenced by negligence or politics in the player's replacement, @A__yabo tweeted, "I find it hard to believe that Umar Sadiq's situation is simply a misjudgment by Nigeria's medical team; it seems more like a case of bias and political considerations."
Expressing doubt, @Nwafresh posted, "Between these two scenarios, one of them holds the truth about Umar Sadiq. 1. He simulated his injury in collaboration with the Super Eagles medical team to return to Real Sociedad. 2. Our medical team lacks competence."
@Danbatta_1 shared, "Umar Sadiq did not fabricate his injury. He insisted he could participate in the AFCON as his injury wasn't severe, but the management and medical team opted to substitute him with Paul Onuachu. Yesterday, he played for Real Sociedad. A disgrace to the Management."
@Ik007John expressed, "Umar Sadiq brings a completely different dynamic compared to Osimhen. It's puzzling why the coach allowed him to leave camp, considering he could offer a distinct approach to the team's tactics. What a shame."
@Auta_Musa_ presented a contrasting perspective, stating, "Aribo is overhyped. Chukwueze is overrated. Paul Onuachu is overrated. Iwobi is overhyped. Victor Osimhen is overhyped. Umar Sadiq, who is underrated, seemed to be the game-changer against Osasuna last night. However, the management decided to remove him from the squad based on a false medical report. We've been saying that Sadiq is better than all the Super Eagles attackers, but out of hatred, you were busy insulting him for leaving #AFCON2023."
@mhis_blessing remarked, "Suddenly, Umar Sadiq has become crucial for the Super Eagles. I thought you all never liked him."
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