REVEALED: The untold stories behind mysterious Umar Sadiq’s Afcon 2023 injury

Sadiq Umar hugged headlines globally after he made a surprising return to the field for Real Sociedad in Spanish Copa del Rey on Wednesday just 48 hours after being declared unfit for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Umar was named in Jose Peseiro’s 25-man list and was in camp with the team during their preparatory matches in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

However, the medical report of the Super Eagles’ medical crew declared that he needed three weeks to recuperate from a knee injury he sustained in camp.

Umar withdrew and headed to his club in Spain for proper examination and recovery as Paul Onuachu was called on to replace him before the tournament kickoff.

Surprisingly, the 26-year-old was a 73rd-minute substitute for André Silva in Real Sociedad’s 2-0 win.

With controversies surrounding his mysterious recovery, NFF had earlier in the week issued a statement emphatically reporting that Sadiq Umar’s medical case was handled with every sense of professionalism.

“We are surprised at the news trending on social media concerning Sadiq Umar and how he was withdrawn from the team camp,” Ademola Olajire wrote in defence for team’s doctor.

“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and were diligent in their processes and conclusions before advising Head Coach José Peseiro that the player be withdrawn from the squad.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 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, which 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.

“On the same day, we had to travel to Lagos, and on the 10th of January flew to Abidjan. Then, the swelling became worse,” the statement reads.

“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 protocols 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.”