AFCON: Why I left Super Eagles squad – Umar Sadiq reveals

Real Sociedad striker Umar Sadiq has issued a statement on his Instagram account, explaining his departure from the Super Eagles squad just days before the kickoff of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Initial suspicions pointed to a knee injury sustained during Nigeria’s friendly against Guinea.

Upon evaluation by the Nigerian medical team, it was concluded that the 26-year-old would not be fit for AFCON due to a knee injury, and he was subsequently replaced by Terem Moffi.

However, shortly after leaving the camp, Sadiq was spotted back in training with Real Sociedad.

In a detailed Instagram post on Friday, Sadiq clarified that Real Sociedad’s medical team determined he had suffered a bruise, not a knee injury.

Despite the impact from Guinean defenders during the friendly match, he insisted on playing and completed the game.

The next day, his knee swelled, prompting a thorough examination by the Super Eagles’ medical team, which revealed a meniscus injury.

Consequently, the manager decided to replace him based on the medical assessment, considering uncertainties about his fitness for AFCON. Upon returning to his club and undergoing further examinations, Real Sociedad’s medical team cleared him to resume training. Sadiq expressed his unwavering commitment to representing Nigeria and detailed the circumstances leading to his departure from the national team.