By Michael Madyira
Another club versus country scandal has erupted after Nigeria forward Umar Sadiq dumped the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations only to make himself available for Real Sociedad.
Sadiq was declared unfit to play at Afcon last week and was released from camp due to a knee injury that was diagnosed by the Super Eagles medical team to need at least three weeks to heal.
But four days after leaving camp, he was announced as part of Real Sociedad’s 22-man squad that was due for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey trip to Osasuna.
Enduring stinging criticism over the manner in which they handled Sadiq’s injury situation, the Nigerian medical team moved to rubbish claims that they had been duped.
“The camp of Nigeria’s senior men football team, Super Eagles, has decried reports in sections of the media that have continued to garnish the medical case of Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar with conspiracy theories, incorrect assumptions and unbecoming insinuations,” said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in a statement.
“The fact is that our medical team meticulously abided by the best medical procedures and were diligent in their processes and conclusions before advising head coach Jose Peseiro that the player be withdrawn from the squad.”
Sadiq’s case could be a reminder of another club versus country row between Lyle Foster and Bafana Bafana after the forward withdrew from national team duty but is available for Premier League side Burnley.
The NFF insists their medical team was thorough in examining Sadiq before releasing him into the hands of his club as his knee continued to swell.
“We have a very competent medical team who are well-trained in sport and exercise medicine and highly experienced and exposed to the most modern techniques and practices,” the NFF continued.
“They followed all due processes and protocol in tandem with the consultant knee surgeon that the player himself contacted in Spain before the decision was made in the interest of the nation and the career of the player.”
Sadiq’s withdrawal from the Afcon camp is a blow for Nigeria, who have Victor Osimhen as the only recognised striker and struggled in their 1-1 Group A draw with Equatorial Guinea.
Pictured above: Nigeria international forward Umar Sadiq.
Image source: Real Sociedad
