AFCON 2023: Umar Sadiq opens up on injury saga after shock Real Sociedad return

Real Sociedad forward Sadiq Umar explained his confusing medical recovering following his return to action for his Spanish club in a Copa del Rey clash on Wednesday night against Osasuna at Estadio El Sadar.

Umar had his participation at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast ended abruptly following a knee injury which was medically recommended to rule him out for at least three weeks.

The 26-year-old should have been with the Super Eagles squad as they prepare to face Guinea-Bissau in their final group match, but Paul Onuachu replaced him after the Eagles’ medical team recommended Umar’s exclusion.

Umar’s shock return to action for his club in Spain exposed Nigeria’s medical team to social media attack.

On Friday, in a lengthy post on Instagram on Friday, Sadiq admits he was assessed by Real Sociedad’s medical team and it was discovered that he had suffered a bruise and not a knee injury.

“Representing Nigeria is always my priority; I will never take it for granted,” Sadiq said.

“I don’t understand all the accusations I have received in recent days in which they accused me of inventing an injury to return to my club. I want to make it clear that for me, representing my nation is a privilege and an honor.

“During the friendly match against Guinea, I experienced a significant impact from two Guinean defenders, leading to a penalty in favor 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 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 will be happy to return if it is the case. I’m sad that I can’t be with my teammates, but I’m happy because they’re winning.”