Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq clears controversy surrounding injury
Real Sociedad striker Umar Sadiq has explained the controversy surrounding his injury amid the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Mr Sadiq seemed ready to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s attack at the tournament following his return to fitness with La Real this season.
However, Mr Sadiq was sent home from the Nigerian squad after a knee injury, leading the 26-year-old to return to San Sebastian.
Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro has expressed his ‘confusion’ regarding the injury, especially after Sadiq came off the bench in La Real’s midweek Copa del Rey win over Osasuna just days after his return.
Mr Peseiro dismissed rumours of Mr Sadiq wanting to return to Spain over playing at AFCON 2023, and the forward has supported the claims of a misunderstanding.
“I don’t understand the accusations I’ve received in recent days which claim I invented an injury to return to my club. I want to make it clear that representing my nation is a privilege and an honour,” Mr Sadiq wrote on his official Instagram page.
“The Nigeria medical staff told me I had suffered a meniscus injury. The coach decided to replace me, based on that advice, as he was unsure if I could play at the tournament. After returning to my club, they told me I only had a bruise, so I returned to training. Representing Nigeria is a priority for me; I will return with joy if that happens. I’m sad not to be with my teammates but happy because they are winning.”
Mr Sadiq is expected to return to the starting lineup as La Real resumes La Liga action this weekend with a trip to Celta Vigo.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Diaspora
Canada-based popular entrepreneur Maryam Muritala dies, Nigerian community mourns
Ms Muritala’s demise has drawn tributes from the Nigerian community in Canada and other groups.
Economy
Stock market gains N652 billion amid sustained buying interest
The gains were driven by NGX Group, Aradel Holdings, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Mc Nicholas, International Breweries and 29 other equities.
Economy
Okonjo-Iweala urges Niger Delta states to establish special economic zones
The WTO chief said the Niger Delta could become Nigeria’s next major industrial hub, alongside Lagos.
Health
Kano govt, partners target 16,000 women as new gender-based violence prevention project takes off
Ms Amina-Abdullahi said the project would address GBV and discrimination against women engaged in agriculture and other economic activities.
Heading 2
Over 300 South Korean workers to sue Trump administration over Georgia immigration raid
About 475 South Koreans were arrested during the raid executed by nearly 500 immigration agents.
Lagos
Lagos assembly passes 2026 appropriation amendment bill
The passage followed consideration of a letter from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu seeking the assembly’s approval to reorder priorities under the 2026 budget.
