LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Super Eagles striker, Sadiq Umar, has finally addressed the lingering controversy surrounding the injury that forced him to withdraw from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
On January 16, Umar was named in the squad for Real Sociedad’s Copa Del Rey match against Osasuna FC.
He would play 17 minutes in the match after coming on for Andre Silva in a 2-0 victory for the Basque club.
The development came just a few days after the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) declared the lanky striker injured and replaced him with Paul Onuachu in the Super Eagles team for the AFCON in Ivory Coast.
However, in a related development, Real Sociedad shared a video of Sadiq training at the club’s facility.
The incident has generated controversy, with many Nigerians on social media accusing the 26-year-old of feigning injury to avoid international duties for Nigeria.
Sadiq has now come out to clarify the issue. He has stated that he never faked his injury, rather, he only followed what the medical team told him.
The lanky striker said he suffered a knock during the 2-0 loss to Guinea in a friendly match on January 8, and the Super Eagles medical staff diagnosed it as “a meniscus injury”.
Umar stated that upon returning to Spain, his club carried out another examination and “the medical team revealed that I had only suffered a bruise”.
He added that “representing Nigeria is always my priority; I will never take it for granted”.
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“ 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, 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