Contrary to the medical report of the Super Eagles’ medical crew which ruled out Sadiq Umar from the Africa Cup of Nations currently ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire, the player was fielded by his Spanish club, Real Sociedad in a Copa del Rey victory over Osasuna on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian was a 73rd-minute substitute for André Silva in Real Sociedad’s 2-0 win. Amidst conspiracy theories claims in the Super Eagles, the NFF had earlier in the week issued a statement disputing such claims and emphatically reported that Sadiq Umar’s medical case was handled with every sense of professionalism.
The NFF statement reads:
“We are surprised at the news trending on social media concerning Sadiq Umar and how he was withdrawn from the team camp. The fact is that our medical team meticulously abided by the best medical procedures and were diligent in their processes and conclusions before advising Head Coach José Peseiro that the player be withdrawn from the squad.
“The player, Sadiq Umar, was okay when he arrived at camp; he had to undergo the standard pre-competition medical assessment and he was good. He started to train with the team. Unfortunately, he copped an injury on the back of his left knee during our friendly match against Guinea in Abu Dhabi on 8th January, that led to a penalty against our opponents. The medical team advised that he substituted, as a cautionary measure, but he said he was fine and could continue the game. At half time, he said he reiterated that he was good to continue playing, and he played the entire 90 minutes.
“However, the following day, he woke up to see the knee swelling, and the medical team had to apply ice which is the normal thing. The same day, we had to travel to Lagos and on the 10th January, flew to Abidjan. Then, the swelling became worse.
“Most of the reports we have seen are not a true representation of what actually happened. We have a very competent medical team who are well-trained in sport and exercise medicine and highly experienced and exposed to the most modern techniques and practices. They followed all due processes and protocol in tandem with the consultant knee surgeon that the player himself contacted in Spain, before the decision was made in the interest of the nation and the career of the player.
“As much as the medical team has refused to join issues with anyone due to their professional patience and privacy policy, we will not allow anyone to rubbish our collective responsibility as Team Nigeria to this Africa Cup of Nations championship. We reiterate that the player was carried along throughout the process, and he started his rehabilitation with the team physiotherapist before he returned to his club in Spain.”
Meanwhile, ESPN reports that Nigeria coach José Peseiro says he is ‘confused’ about why Umar Sadiq could play for Spanish team Real Sociedad, despite an injury ruling the forward out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 26-year-old Sadiq was featured in Sociedad’s squad for its Copa del Rey game at Osasuna when Peseiro said he thought the player’s injury would prevent him from playing for Nigeria at AFCON.
“I’m also confused,” Peseiro said when asked about Sadiq on Wednesday. “What I can say, I saw the report from the medical test that he’s injured and that he cannot recover in 15 days, at least, or more time … The report went to the club, and the club said he must come (back) to recover.”
Peseiro said Sadiq wanted to stay with the Nigeria squad but that he and his coaching staff decided to replace him before January 3, the final day to submit the squad lists for the tournament.
“I am happy that he recovered well. I am sad that he’s not here to help us,” Peseiro said.
