Real Sociedad head coach, Imanol Alguacil has revealed that Umar Sadiq wanted to stay with the Super Eagles at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast despite his injury.
The “Injured” Nigerian striker, Sadiq was listed in Sociedad’s squad for their Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash with Osasuna at the El Sadar Stadium on Wednesday.
Umar withdrew from the Super Eagles squad to the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast after he picked up an injury and was ruled out of action for at least three weeks.
A video showing the striker training individually on Monday, having returned to Spain, however, went viral on Social media which led to Nigerians criticising the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The NFF shed more light on the controversy surrounding the injury to Umar with the communications department in a statement on Tuesday saying its medical team approached his case with every sense of professionalism.
Umar, however, trained again on Tuesday and this time with the full squad at Sociedad and has even made the squad list for their midweek Copa del Rey match against Osasuna.
The 26-year-old was not only listed by Sociedad for the game but the La Liga Santander club even used him on their artwork. La Real boss, Alguacil clarified the situation when he spoke to the media.
“Sadiq wanted to stay with Nigeria, but they had doubts about how his evolution would go, that’s why he returned. Yesterday (Monday), he tested and had a good feeling, today (Tuesday) also with the team. He is ready to play,” the coach said.
