The Umar Sadiq saga has captured attention and stirred debate as the Nigerian striker was withdrawn from the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2023 squad due to a reported knee injury. However, a video from Real Sociedad depicting Sadiq in training less than a week after his departure from the national team camp has raised eyebrows and ignited a flurry of discussions among football enthusiasts.
Expected to participate in AFCON 2023, Umar Sadiq was deemed unfit for the tournament, citing a knee injury sustained during a friendly match against Guinea Conakry on January 8, 2024.
The emergence of a video showing him in training with Real Sociedad on January 15, 2024, has fueled speculation and prompted questions about the adequacy of the Super Eagles’ medical service.
Responding to the controversy, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) issued a detailed clarification through spokesperson Ademola Olajire.
The NFF asserted that the medical team adhered to rigorous procedures, providing a thorough evaluation of Sadiq’s condition before advising head coach José Peseiro to withdraw the player from the squad.
Olajire explained, “The player, Sadiq Umar, was fine when he arrived at camp; he had to undergo the standard medical evaluation before the competition, and he was fine.
He started training with the team. Unfortunately, he injured the back of his left knee during our friendly match against Guinea in Abu Dhabi on January 8, which resulted in a penalty against our opponents.”
He continued, “Most of the reports we have seen are not an accurate representation of what actually happened. We have a very competent medical team, well trained in sports and exercise medicine, highly experienced and exposed to the most modern techniques and practices.
They followed all current procedures and protocols in tandem with the consultant knee surgeon that the player himself contacted in Spain before the decision was made in the interest of the nation and the player’s career.”
Addressing the speculation surrounding Sadiq’s readiness to face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey, Olajire emphasized the player’s rehabilitation process with the team physiotherapist before returning to his club in Spain.
Real Sociedad’s clash with Osasuna on January 17, 2024, will serve as a litmus test for Sadiq’s fitness.
The NFF, maintaining confidence in its medical team’s competence, emphasized its commitment to upholding collective responsibility for Team Nigeria in AFCON 2023.
The controversy surrounding Umar Sadiq’s injury status continues to unfold, with fans awaiting further developments as the tournament progresses.
