The Nigeria Football Federation has come out to clarify the situation surrounding the withdrawal of striker Umar Sadiq from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) camp of the Super Eagles, www.aclsports.com reports.
It will be recalled that the Real Sociedad forward pulled out of the tournament just days before the start of the tournament and has since returned to his club in Spain.
However, a video surfaced online earlier on Monday showing that Umar Sadiq had resumed training back in Spain and questions were asked about the said injury that ruled him out of the tournament.
On their part, the NFF has now come out to clear the air on the situation, stressing that every sense of professionalism was employed before it was agreed for the player to be excused from the camp of the side.
“We are surprised at the news trending on social media concerning Sadiq Umar and how he was withdrawn from the team camp,” begins the NFF statement.
“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and were diligent in their processes and conclusions before advising Head Coach José Peseiro that the player be withdrawn from the squad.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, Umar Sadiq, 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,” continued the statement.
“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. The same day, we had to travel to Lagos, and on the 10th January, flew to Abidjan. Then, the swelling became worse.
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The statement went on to reveal that the ongoing reports in the media did not represent the true situation of things.
“Most of the reports we have seen do not represent 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 Umar Sadiq 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.,” concludes the statement.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles returned to training on Monday ahead of Thursday’s clash with hosts Cote d’Ivoire in their second group game at the ongoing AFCON tournament.
