Super Eagles and Real Sociedad, Sadiq Umar discussed his and exit from the Super Eagles of Nigeria camp days before the commencement of the AFCON competition in Ivory Coast as revealed by PUNCH Sports Extra.
The striker was immediately replaced by Paul Onuachu after the Nigerian squad medical team confirm he suffered a meniscus injury in their 2-0 loss to Guinea in a friendly match in Abu Dhabi before the AFCON tournament.
The Real Sociedad striker, 28, left the Eagles camp for his club last Saturday, two days after, his club posted a video of him undergoing training to boost his recoveries. He then featured for the side in a cup game in Spain which caught the attention of Super Eagles fans and raises questions on why the striker left the Eagles camp if he can actually recover that fast.
Sadiq congratulates the Eagles after their win over the host nation which ended 1-0 on Thursday, he then deem it fit to address the questions raised by his home fans on social media as to why he left the camp early. The striker said; "Its important for me to address the messages 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.
"I love my country so much and nothing would change that, "I experienced a significant impact from two Guinea defenders leading to a penalty in favour of our team, the medical team recommended substitution for preventive measures, which I insisted that I would like to play on in the game. The following day, I had a swollen knee and the team medical staff conducted thorough examination revealing and confirming that I have meniscus injury.
The manager immediately decides to have me replaced, considering the uncertainties about my fitness for the tournament in Ivory Coast."
On my return to the club, I underwent another scan and medical examinations, the club medical staff found out it was just a bruise and that I could return to training after little rest. It is an honour to get the call up for the tournament in Ivory Coast and I give thanks to Allah and my club, Real Sociedad for supporting my swift recovery and trusting me to resume training earlier than expected.
Playing for my country is my priority always and I cannot take it for granted, I would gladly accept if I could return to the national team, I feel bad that I am not with the team right now but was happy for the winning against Ivory Coast.
I wish the team all the best as the tournament progresses.
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