Users on social media platform X have expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar from the ongoing 2023 TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Umar, who played for his club Real Sociedad after featuring in a match against Osasuna, was ruled out of AFCON due to a knee injury sustained in a friendly defeat to the Syli Stars of Guinea.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that another forward, Paul Onuachu, would replace Umar.
However, a video surfaced showing Umar training individually in Spain, leading to criticism of the NFF’s handling of the situation.
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The NFF’s communication department released a statement denying allegations of negligence and unprofessional conduct, stating that Umar’s case was professionally handled by the medical team.
Social media users expressed different opinions on the matter. Some questioned whether Umar faked his injury or if the NFF was negligent in handling the situation.
Others praised Umar’s performance for Real Sociedad and criticized the decision to replace him in the squad.
The situation sparked discussions on the competence of the medical team and the management’s decision-making process.
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