Confusion Surrounds Umar Sadiq’s Participation in AFCON 2023 and Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey Match

Nigeria‘s coach, José Peseiro, expressed his confusion regarding Umar Sadiq‘s ability to play for Real Sociedad despite being ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury. Sadiq, a forward for the Spanish team, was selected in Sociedad’s squad for their Copa del Rey match against Osasuna on Wednesday, which clashed with Nigeria’s scheduled match against Ivory Coast the following day.

The inclusion of Sadiq in Sociedad’s squad left Peseiro perplexed as he believed the player’s injury would prevent him from representing Nigeria at the prestigious tournament. Peseiro stated that he had seen the medical report indicating Sadiq’s injury and the required recovery time of at least 15 days. The report had been sent to the club, who acknowledged that the player needed to return for recovery.

Peseiro revealed that Sadiq had expressed his desire to remain with the Nigeria squad, but the coaching staff decided to replace him prior to the final squad list submission on January 3. While Peseiro expressed relief that Sadiq had recovered well, he also expressed sadness at the player’s absence and the missed opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s campaign.

The Portuguese coach has been facing criticism as Nigeria, considered one of the favorites in the tournament, failed to secure a victory in their opening match. Additionally, the team has conceded goals in their last six games, including a 2-0 loss against Guinea in a warm-up match before the competition. Despite dominating the game against Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria only managed to score once, with star forward Victor Osimhen missing several good chances.

Peseiro remains optimistic and believes that if the team continues to create opportunities, they will eventually convert them into goals. He expressed his hope that fortune would favor Nigeria in their upcoming matches.

In an unexpected turn of events, Umar Sadiq made an appearance for Real Sociedad in their Copa del Rey match against Osasuna, even though he had been deemed unfit for the Africa Cup of Nations. This surprising substitution occurred in the 73rd minute when Sadiq replaced Andre Silva on the field. While the substitution seemed harmless, it raised questions about Sadiq’s injury claim and his availability for Nigeria’s crucial match against Ivory Coast.

Sadiq had initially answered Nigeria’s call to join the squad for AFCON 2023 but withdrew just two days before the tournament due to a knee injury. Instead of undergoing the surgery that had been suggested when he left the squad, Sadiq made a surprising return to the pitch less than a week later, representing Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey.