Sadiq's withdrawal from AFCON squad: Nigeria Football Federation set the record straight

The Nigeria Football Federation communication department has released a statement clearing the air on the supposed wrong treatment of  Umar Sadiq.

Sadiq picked up a knee injury in the Super Eagles' loss to Guinea in their last friendly games before the start of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The injury was said to be enough to keep him out of AFCON and that led to him being replaced by Southampton loanee Paul Onuachu but to the surprise of many, Umar was seen in training with Real Sociedad in a video yesterday.

This has led to a lot of insinuation on social media about how the lanky striker was treated with some suggesting that he should have been left in the team if he could have resumed training with Real Sociedad as early as he he did.

However, the NFF communication department has played down the insinuations and conspiracy theories being thrown around, stating that the due medical procedure was followed to conclude that Umar should be withdrawn from the squad.

The statement also added that the 26-year-old forward was carried along during the process and that he had started rehabilitation with the Super Eagles physiotherapist before leaving for Spain.

The Nigerian Federation have made it clear that they 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. 

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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