Super Eagles and Real Sociedad attacker Sadiq Umar has broken his silence, addressing his AFCON injury controversy, LCSoccerHub Reports.
Umar has come under heavy backlash from Nigeria fans after he returned to action with Real Sociedad days after he exited AFCON due to injury.
Nigeria fans blast Umar for intentionally exiting AFCON by faking injury to return to his club. However, a contrary report claims Sadiq Umar was wrongly assessed by the Super Eagles medical team leading to his exit from the tournament.
In a detailed response to the claims and counterclaims concerning his injury, Umar said;
“It’s imperative for me to address the message I have received from fellow Nigerians, accusing me of pretending to be injured to leave the national team just before the start of the AFCON and return to my club.
“Here is a comprehensive explanation on the situation during the friendly game 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 complete the game. The following day, my knee was swollen and the Eagles medical team conducted a thorough examination revealing a meniscus injury.
“The manager decided to replace me based on the medical assessment, considering uncertainties about my fitness for the AFCON.”
“Upon returning to my club, I underwent thorough examination and 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 Allah and my club Real Sociedad for supporting my swift recovery and resuming 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’m not with the team but happy for the winning. I extend my best wishes to the Eagles in the ongoing AFCON.”
Nice forward Terem Moffi was called to replace Sadiq Umar after a report from the Super Eagles medical team confirmed the latter will not be able to continue with the tournament and was ruled out of the Super Eagles AFCON squad.
