National Teams
AFCON 2023: I am confused about Umar Sadiq’s situation, admits Jose Peseiro
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Head coach of Nigeria, Jose Peseiro is confused about the injury situation of forward, Umar Sadiq.
Sadiq had chopped an injury during the team’s second training session in Abidjan and was replaced in the Super Eagles party following the recommendation of medics by Trabzonspor forward, Paul Onuachu.
However, the forward surprisingly returned to training for her club in Spain and had subsequently named in Real Sociedad’s squad for their Cup tie with Osasuna on Wednesday.
Ahead of Group A second match against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Peseiro admits confused as the team medical team, stressing that he was set to be ruled out for at least two weeks.
“I am confused also about Umar’s situation,” he told journalists during his pre-match press conference.
“I received a report from the medical team that he is injured and can’t recover in the next 15 days. The result got to the club and they said he could come for recovery.
“The player wants to stay. On the last day to replace players, we decided to replace him. I am happy that he recovered well but sad that he is not with us.”
Earlier, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) dismissed allegations of negligence and unprofessional conduct on the part of the national team medical team concerning the withdrawal of Umar from the ongoing AFCON 2023.
There have been insinuations of foul play, unprofessional conduct, or probably favoritism in the social media about Sadiq’s withdrawal.
