Sadiq Umar Breaks Silence Concerning Injury Controversy That Ruled Him Out of AFCON 2023

• Sadiq Umar has come out to clear the air on the injury controversy that ruled him out of the 2023 AFCON
• The ex-AS Roma striker was one of the players in the Super Eagles' first 25-man squad for the tournament
• The Real Sociedad forward was later replaced in the team by Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has broken his silence concerning the injury controversy that ruled him out of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The former AS Roma striker was initially included in Nigeria's 25-man squad for the competition but was later withdrawn from the team due to a late injury and was duly replaced with Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu.

After being ruled out of the competition, Sadiq returned to his club, Real Sociedad, and a few days later, the La Liga side shared a video of him training at the club's facility.

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The drill being performed by the former Almeria striker shows that he is in good shape, which was later confirmed after he was included in the Real Sociedad squad for their Copa del Rey tie with Osasuna.

The 26-year-old striker eventually featured in the game as a second-half substitute, according to a report by Soccernet.

The Nigerian striker has come out to clear the air on the issue and released an official statement on his official page on social media.

"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles for their outstanding victory against Ivory Coast," he said.

"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."

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Nigeria Medics Under Scrutiny over Sadiq Umar

Sports Brief earlier reported on Nigerians not being pleased with the country’s medics over Sadiq Umar's injury controversy after the striker was seen training with Real Sociedad.

Some of the fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their displeasure.