Sadiq blamed Nigerian doctors for his misdiagnosis

Imanol Alguacil, Real Sociedad's coach, and Jose Peseiro, Nigeria's coach, had their points of view. Only Umar Sadiq's was missing. The striker injured his knee during the preparatory phase for the Africa Cup and, due to a misdiagnosis by the national team doctors, who thought he had damaged his meniscus, he returned to Spain.

Once in San Sebastian, the specialists at Anoeta realised that it was just a bruise. The matter, for obvious reasons, has caused a lot of controversy and a lot of accusations against the player for a non-existent lack of commitment to his country.

"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. Representing our great nation is consistently both a privilege and an honour. During the friendly against Guinea, I experienced a significant impact from two Guinean defenders. Despite the medical team recommending substitution for preventive measures, I insisted on continuing to play and complete the game," he explained in an Instagram statement.

"The following day, my knee swelled. The Super Eagles' medical team conducted a through examination, revealing a meniscus injury. Consequently, the manager decided to replace me based on the medical assesment, considering uncertainties about my fitness for the AFCON. Upon returning to my club and undergoing through examinations, the medical team revealed that I had only suffered a bruise, and as a result, I was cleared to resume training," he continued.

"Representing Nigeria is always my priority; I will never take it for granted. I would gladly accept it if I could returno to the team. I am sad that I am not with my colleagues but happy they are winning," he concluded. There is no doubt, therefore, that Sadiq himself managed to get out of the Nigerian national team's training camp. The biggest beneficiary, ironically, has been Real Sociedad, who are careful not to lose him for the duration of their African Cup campaign.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram