REAL Sociedad forward, Sadiq Umar has given reasons why he featured for his club against Osasuna in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, barely a few hours after exiting Super Eagles Abidjan camp owing to a knee injury that “might need surgery.”
The 26-year-old picked up the injury in a pre-tournament friendly against Guinea.
Speaking on the issue, Coach Jose Peseiro said he was “confused” that the player recovered just days after pulling out of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to injury.
“I am confused also,” Peseiro retorted when asked by reporters in Abidjan how the 26-year-old could have recovered already from a knee injury he believed would prevent the player from having any involvement at the AFCON.
“I received a report from the medical team that he is injured and he cannot recover in 15 days at least.
“The report went to the club and the club said he must go back to recover — they even said there was a possibility he might need surgery.
“We had a meeting with our staff and the player wanted to stay as I did, but on the last day that we could replace a player, we decided to replace him.”
Sadiq’s spot was taken by forward Paul Onuachu, who came on as a substitute as Nigeria drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea in their opening match played Sunday evening and during the 1-0 victory over host nation, Cote d’Ivoire Thursday evening.
But reacting to the development, the striker denied insinuation he made up the injury to enable him exit Super Eagles camp.
Hear him: “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles for their outstanding victory against Ivory Coast. It is imperative for me to address the messages I have received from fellow Nigerians, accusing me of pretending to be injured to depart the national team just before the AFCON and return to my club.
“Clarifying the situation and providing a detailed account of events is essential. I want to express my deep love for Africa and my unwavering affection for Nigeria. Representing our great nation is consistently both a privilege and an honour. Here is a comprehensive explanation of the situation:
“During the friendly match against Guinea, I experienced a significant impact from two Guinean defenders, leading to a penalty in favour of Nigeria. Despite the medical team recommending substitution for preventive measures, I insisted on continuing to play and completed the game. The following day, my knee swelled.
“The Super Eagles’ medical team conducted a thorough examination, revealing a meniscus injury. Consequently, the manager decided to replace me based on the medical assessment, considering uncertainties about my fitness for the AFCON.
“Upon returning to my club and undergoing thorough examinations, the medical team revealed that | had only suffered a bruise, and as a result, I was cleared to resume training.
“I give special thanks to my club, Real Sociedad, for supporting my swift recovery and return to play.
“Representing Nigeria is always my priority; I will never take it for granted. I would gladly accept it if I could return to the team. I am sad that I am not with my colleagues but happy they are winning. I extend my best wishes to the Super Eagles in the ongoing African Nations Cup. “
Eighteen-Eleven Media