AFCON 2023: Sadiq Umar's sudden recovery from injury "confuses" Jose Peseiro

Published on: 18 January 2024

Super Eagles Coach Jose Peseiro says he is as confused as other Nigerians following Sadiq Umar's sudden recovery from injury after medical reports stated he was going to be out for a while, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Portuguese gaffer spoke in a press conference prior to the West African derby between Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire on Thursday.

Umar had left the Eagles camp for Spain to recover from the injury and was replaced with Paul Onuachu following the diagnosis of the medical team.

However, the lanky striker was seen few days later training with his club, Real Sociedad and was included in the squad day for the Copa del Rey fixture against Osasuna leading to confusion from Nigerians.

Asked about the events surrounding the player which has made Nigeria Football enthusiasts confused, Peseiro replied "I am confused also."

I received a report from the medical team that he is injured and he cannot recover in 15 days at least."

"The report went to the club and the club said he must go back to recover -- they even said there was a possibility he might need surgery.

"We had a meeting with our staff and the player wanted to stay, like I did, but on the last day that we could replace a player, we decided to replace him."

"I am happy because he has recovered well but I am sad that he is not here to help us," Peseiro added of Sadiq, who suffered the injury in a pre-tournament friendly against Guinea.

 

Uche Dozie 

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