Sadiq Umar has broken his silence on the controversies surrounding his AFCON injury, MySportDab reports.
Umar stoke reactions after he was ruled out of 2023 AFCON due to a knee injury only for him to return to action for Real Sociedad in Spain after leaving the tournament.
After returning to action with Real Sociedad days after his AFCON injury, some Nigeria fans blasted the attacking sensation for faking injury to leave the Super Eagles AFCON squad while others blamed the team’s medical team for poor assessment of his injury situation.
Amidst the wrangles and controversies surrounding his injury blow, Umar has broken his silence, explaining in details what transpired between him and the Super Eagles medical team.
This is what he says;
“It’s imperative for me to address the message I have received from fellow Nigerians, accusing me of pretending to be injured to leave the national team just before the start of the AFCON and return to my club.
“Here is a comprehensive explanation on the situation during the friendly game 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 complete the game. The following day, my knee was swollen and the Eagles medical team conducted a thorough examination revealing a meniscus injury.
“The manager decided to replace me based on the medical assessment, considering uncertainties about my fitness for the AFCON.”
“Upon returning to my club, I underwent thorough examination and the medical team revealed that I had only suffered a bruise and as a result I was cleared to resume training. I give special thanks to Allah and my club Real Sociedad for supporting my swift recovery and resuming to play.
“Representing Nigeria is always my priority. I will never take it for granted. I would gladly accept it if I could return to the team. I am sad that I’m not with the team but happy for the winning. I extend my best wishes to the Eagles in the ongoing AFCON.”
From the forgoing, Umar has made it clear he in no way try to fake his injury to leave the tournament. It is clear the Super Eagles medical team wrongly diagnosed Umar’s injury leading to his removal from the squad.
