Real Sociedad coach Faults Super Eagles coach Eguavoen for using Umar Sadiq

By Monsurah Olatunji

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has criticized Augustine Eguavoen for playing Umar Sadiq in the Super Eagles’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Rwanda, despite the forward suffering from a hamstring injury.

Sadiq, who is recovering from an ACL injury, had been called up to the Nigerian national team for the qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin Republic.

However, two days before the Rwanda match, the 27-year-old reportedly injured his hamstring. Despite the injury, Eguavoen chose to play him, with Sadiq only featuring as a substitute during Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda.

Alguacil, speaking in an interview with Futbol Fantasy, expressed frustration over the decision.

“He, in his last game with the national team, only plays five minutes because two days before he hurt his hamstring. He plays that game because the coach understands they are losing, despite knowing that he has discomfort,” Alguacil explained.

The Real Sociedad manager revealed that upon Sadiq’s return to the club, the forward informed him that he was unavailable for training for the next two days, citing the lingering injury.

“So, on Saturday he trains and tells me that he’s available for the derby. So, I take him, but knowing that, for me, he’s not completely available,” Alguacil continued.

Sadiq’s situation has raised concerns at Real Sociedad, where he has made only six appearances this season, starting just two matches and coming off the bench in four others.

The Spanish club is clearly cautious about his fitness, and Alguacil’s comments recount the tension between national team duties and club responsibilities when players are managing injuries.

Despite the challenges, Alguacil emphasized that he is focused on managing Sadiq’s recovery and keeping him as fit as possible for upcoming matches.