The Super Eagles’ senior men’s football team of Nigeria on Tuesday condemned the media reports surrounding the medical situation of Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
This was made public in a statement released through the twitter handle of the Nigerian Football Federation.
Umar was one of the players selected to represent Nigeria at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire but was dropped from the team due to an injury sufferd in a friendly game ahead of the tournament. He was then replaced by Paul Onachu.
“The camp has released a statement with regards to how the player was withdrawn from Nigeria’s squad for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire. We are surprised at the news trending on social media concerning Sadiq Umar and how he was withdrawn from the team camp. 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and were diligent in their processes and conclusions before advising Head Coach José Peseiro that the player be withdrawn from the squad.”
“The player, Sadiq Umar, was okay when he arrived at camp; he had to undergo the standard pre-competition medical assessment and he was good. He started to train with the team. Unfortunately, he copped an injury on the back of his left knee during our friendly match against Guinea in Abu Dhabi on 8th January, that led to a penalty against our opponents. The medical team advised that he substituted, as a cautionary measure, but he said he was fine and could continue the game. At half time, he said he reiterated that he was good to continue playing, and he played the entire 90 minutes.”
“However, the following day, he woke up to see the knee swelling, and the medical team had to apply ice which is the normal thing. The same day, we had to travel to Lagos and on the 10th January, flew to Abidjan. Then, the swelling became worse.”
Videos however have surfaced online with the striker in training for his club side Real Sociedad.