Injury forces Umar Sadiq out Nigeria squad for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

By Wale Mustapha

The Nigeria team getting ready for the African Cup of Nations, AFCON tournament starting in Ivory Coast on Saturday have been dealt a huge blow with yet another injury to one of their marksmen, Umar Sadiq.

The Real Sociedad suffered a serious injury during training with the rest of Super Eagles’ players on Thursday and medics have confirmed he will not recover on time to take part in the tournament.

Sadiq, who was part of Nigeria’s team in the 2021 edition will return back to Spain where will continue his recovery process.

With Umar’s unfortunate exit, Victor Osimhen becomes the lone recognized striker in Nigeria’s squad for the Group A opener against Equatorial Guinea.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi are unlikely to be available for the game against the Nzalang Nationale as they will be joining the team late and won’t be ready.

Umar joins Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Boniface, who were part of Nigeria’s final squad list for the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, but respective injuries ruled them out of the tournament.