Umar Clear The Air On Withdrawal From AFCON

Sadiq Umar, Super Eagles striker, has cleared the air over his withdrawal from the Nigerian squad for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

On January 16, Umar was named in the squad for Real Sociedad’s Copa Del Rey match against Osasuna FC.

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.

He would play 17 minutes in the match after coming on for Andre Silva in a 2-0 victory for the Basque club.

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.

In a statement on his Instagram page on Friday, Umar said he never pretended to be injured to skip playing for Nigeria, and he added that “representing Nigeria is always my priority; I will never take it for granted”.

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 added that upon returning to Spain, his club carried out another examination and “the medical team revealed that I had only suffered a bruise”.

“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 statement reads.

“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.

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“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.”

However, NFF had insisted that its medical staff followed due process in examining Umar and advising Jose Peseiro, Super Eagles head coach, to pull him out of the Eagles AFCON team.

The Super Eagles defeated Ivory Coast 1-0 on Thursday. They are currently sitting second in Group A with four points. Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau in their last group game on January 22.