Umar Sadiq explains AFCON departure after confusion over quick Real Sociedad return | OneFootball

Real Sociedad star Umar Sadiq has this evening provided an insight into his departure from the Nigerian national camp for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The name of frontman Sadiq has returned to the forefront of the headlines in Spain over the course of the last 48 hours.

This comes after the 26-year-old, just days on from being sent home from AFCON duty with Nigeria owing to an injury, marked his return to the pitch.

Sadiq was introduced off the bench late in Sociedad’s 2-0 downing of Osasuna in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro, in turn, admitted that he had been left bemused by the situation:

“I’m also confused,” the Super Eagles boss began, as per ESPN. “What I can say is, I saw the report from the medical test that he’s injured and that he cannot recover in 15 days, at least, or more time … The report went to the club, and the club said he must come (back) to recover.

“I am happy that he recovered well. I am sad that he’s not here to help us,” Peseiro concluded.

Late this evening, it should therefore come as little surprise to hear of Sadiq himself moving to clear up the lingering suspicion surrounding the situation.

In an official statement, cited by El Chiringuito TV, the former Roma attacker confirmed that he was diagnosed with a meniscus injury by the Nigerian medical staff on the back of the country’s meeting with Guinea.

Consequently, it was suggested that Sadiq depart, to be replaced in Jose Peseiro’s squad by a fitter option.

Upon his return to Spain, however, Real Sociedad’s team of doctors insisted that the club’s in-form striker had suffered little more than a bruise.

Hence his swift return to the pitch, and ensuing confusion on the part of Nigerians the world over.

Conor Laird | GSFN