Sadiq Umar Resolves Controversy Surrounding Injury Exit from Super Eagles Camp for AFCON 2023
Sadiq Umar, the Nigerian forward from Real Sociedad, has addressed the confusion surrounding his departure from the Super Eagles camp due to an alleged injury after initially making the 25-man squad for the tournament.
Despite missing Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign due to a reported thigh injury, Umar quickly returned to club action and participated in Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey match just days later.
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The anticipated three-week absence led to Umar’s exclusion from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad, with Paul Onuachu taking his place.
Umar, however, has now clarified the situation in a statement shared on his Instagram account, @sadiq.umar19. According to the 26-year-old forward, thorough examinations upon returning to his club revealed that he had only suffered a bruise, and he was subsequently cleared to resume training.
Contrary to rumors of faking the injury, Umar emphasized that he followed the advice of the Super Eagles medical team. He dismissed any notion of feigning injury and explained the circumstances surrounding his absence.
In a recent Copa del Rey match, Real Sociedad secured a 2-0 victory against Osasuna, with Umar featuring for 18 minutes. Although he did not score, the striker is expected to start in the upcoming match against Celta Vigo on January 20.