U.D Almeria forward Umar Sadiq will miss Nigeria’s forthcoming international matches against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States, it has been confirmed. The 25-year-old will not honor the call-up to the latest Nigeria squad and has been replaced by FC Lorient striker Terem Moffi.
The Super Eagles will take on El Tri on Sunday 29, which coincides with Almeria’s scheduled final game of the regular Spanish Segunda Division season against Leganes.
Almeria is one of three teams still in contention for promotion to La Liga. They are currently second in the table with 80 points, level on points with first-placed Eibar, and two points ahead of Real Valladolid, who are third.
La Union must avoid defeat against Leganés on Sunday to guarantee a top two finish. The top two clubs will secure automatic promotion to the Spanish first division, while the third ranked team will compete in a mini-playoff with the 4th to 6th teams. The playoff champion will be promoted.
Sadiq is critical to Almeria’s promotion ambitions. He is the club’s highest scorer this season, with 18 goals, 17 of which have come in the league, and 9 assists.
“Logic tells us that if we play for something against Leganés, Sadiq won’t go to play those friendlies,” Almeria coach Rubi said as per Estadio Deportivo.
Nigeria will face Mexico on Sunday 29, at the AT&T Arena in Dallas before facing Ecuador in New Jersey at the Red Bull Arena on the 3rd of June.
