Super Eagles forward, Umar Sadiq, who was initially dropped from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to a reported injury, surprisingly made a quick return to the field, featuring as a substitute in Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey match against Osasuna yesterday.
Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, expressed confusion and shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Umar Sadiq’s injury, withdrawal from AFCON, and subsequent appearance for his club.
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Peseiro: “I am confused also. What can I say? I received a report from the medical test that he is injured and cannot recover in 15 days, at least or more time. No one told me that he could recover in five days, 15, One month, or Two months. I didn’t know.”
The coach revealed that he wasn’t aware of the possibility of a quicker recovery and that the information was relayed to the club.
Peseiro: “The report went to the club, and the club said he must return for recovery. It was said that there was a possibility for surgery.
We held a meeting with the player and our staff. The player wanted to stay. Like me. He wanted to stay, of course, and for that I chose him.”
However, as the deadline approached for player replacements, a decision was made to replace Sadiq in the AFCON squad.
Peseiro: “But on the last day, it was the 13th, the last day to replace the players, we decided to replace him. I am happy because he recovered well. I am sad because he is not here to help us.”
The coach acknowledged the player’s willingness to contribute but noted the challenges faced in deciding within the given timeframe.
The situation highlights the complexities and uncertainties involved in managing player injuries and squad selections in high-stakes tournaments like the AFCON.
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