- Umar Sadiq released a statement explaining his exit from Super Eagles before AFCON.
- Sadiq said he had a bruise, not a knee injury, despite Nigerian team’s assessment.
- Sadiq able to train with club Real Sociedad soon after leaving Nigerian team.
The Nigeria national team forward, Umar Sadiq has clarified his exit from the Super Eagles squad before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a statement on Instagram on Friday.
The Real Sociedad striker was suggested to had knee injury, during Nigeria’s friendly match against Guinea.
According to him, he was examined by the Nigerian medical team who determined he would not be fit for AFCON. However, he was replaced by Terem Moffi and left Eagles camp.
Soon after, Sadiq was seen training with Real Sociedad again.
He insisted Real Sociedad’s medical team assessed him and discovered it was just a bruise, not an injury.
Sadiq released the statement to explain why he was fit to train with his club shortly after leaving the Super Eagles due to injury.
“Representing Nigeria is always my priority; I will never take it for granted,” Sadiq said.
“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.”
