How Sadiq Umar Was Forced on Finidi George for Super Eagles Friendly Games

• Finidi George reportedly did not invite Sadiq Umar for Nigeria’s friendly games
• The Real Sociedad striker played zero minutes against Ghana and Mali
• Sadiq was included in Nigeria’s 26-man squad for both friendly games

Finidi George and Sadiq Umar’s allege fallout in the Super Eagles camp after the international friendly games against Ghana and Mali has raised questions concerning his invite to the national team.

The Real Sociedad forward was an unused substitute in the Super Eagles friendlies against the Black Stars and Eagles, prompting an immediate protest from the former AS Roma starlet.

According to Score Nigeria, Sadiq was not one of the players recommended by Finidi for the friendly games but the forward was still included by the Nigeria Football Federation in the 26-man squad.

The NFF’s Technical Committee headed by former coach Augustine Eguavoen reportedly compiled the list but it was disclosed that Finidi, who is the interim Super Eagles coach, was asked to make his own contribution to the list.

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Sadiq recently sparked controversy before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after he pulled out of the Super Eagles squad just days before the start of the tournament only to represent his club in Spain a few days later.

Fans warn Sadiq after latest spat

Meanwhile, football fans in Nigeria have taken to social media platform, X, to criticize Sadiq following a reported row with interim Super Eagles coach Finidi, Punch NG reports.

The Real Sociedad forward was unused in the Eagles' two friendlies against Ghana and Mali during the international break and refused a handshake from Finidi afterwards which sparked outrage from fans.

Others labelled Sadiq’s behaviour as unprofessional and beckoned on him to apologise and maintain good and professional conduct when in the Super Eagles team.

Sadiq set for Super Eagles return

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Sadiq is set to be reunited with the Super Eagles squad for the international friendly game against Ghana and Mali in March.

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The Real Sociedad forward was dropped from Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad in controversial circumstances after a misunderstanding with the team medics over an injury.

Sadiq was suspected to have picked up a knee injury in Nigeria’s friendly clash with Guinea before the start of AFCON and was later dropped from the squad that reached the final in Ivory Coast.