Nigerian striker, Sadiq Umar, has broken his silence on the injury controversy surrounding his departure from the Super Eagles just before the AFCON.
In a comprehensive statement, he congratulated the team on their outstanding victory against Ivory Coast and addressed the accusations of pretending to be injured.
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“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles for their outstanding victory against Ivory Coast.
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.
Representing our great nation is consistently both a privilege and an honour. Here is a comprehensive explanation of the situation:”
“During the friendly match against Guinea, I experienced a significant impact from two Guinean defenders, leading to a penalty in favour of Nigeria.
Despite the medical team recommending substitution for preventive measures, I insisted on continuing to play and completed the game. The following day, my knee swelled.”
Umar expressed his deep love for Africa and Nigeria, emphasizing that representing the nation is both a privilege and an honor. He provided a detailed account of the situation, explaining that during the friendly match against Guinea, he endured a significant impact leading to a penalty for Nigeria.
Despite a subsequent meniscus injury diagnosis by the Super Eagles’ medical team, he insisted on playing the full game.
Upon returning to his club, Real Sociedad, and undergoing further examinations, it was revealed that he had only suffered a bruise, and he was subsequently cleared to resume training.
Umar expressed gratitude to his club for supporting his swift recovery.
He acknowledged that representing Nigeria is always his priority and expressed sadness for not being with his colleagues but extended his best wishes to the Super Eagles in the ongoing African Nations Cup.
Umar stated that he would gladly accept a return to the team if given the opportunity.
