Nigeria coach José Peseiro says he is “confused” about why Umar Sadiq can play for Spanish team Real Sociedad despite an injury ruling the forward out the Africa Cup of Nations.
Umar Sadiq, the 26-year-old forward who plays for Spanish team Real Sociedad, was ruled out of the Africa Cup due to an injury that Peseiro said would take at least 15 days to recover. However, to Peseiro’s surprise and confusion, Sadiq was included in Sociedad’s squad for its Copa del Rey game at Osasuna on Wednesday, just a day before Nigeria’s crucial match against the host nation.
“I’m also confused,” Peseiro said when asked about Sadiq on Wednesday. “What I can say, 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.”
Peseiro said Sadiq wanted to stay with the Nigeria squad but that he and his coaching staff decided to replace him before Jan. 3, the final day to submit the squad lists for the tournament. “I am happy that he recovered well. I am sad that he’s not here to help us,” Peseiro said.
Peseiro’s woes don’t end there. The Portuguese coach has faced criticism after Nigeria, considered one of the tournament favorites, failed to start with a win, while his team has also conceded at least a goal in each of its last six games including the 2-0 loss to Guinea in competition warm-up game. Star forward Victor Osimhen scored but also missed several good chances in the team’s tournament opener, which Nigeria dominated without winning. The “Super Eagles” had 19 shots at goal compared to seven from Equatorial Guinea.
Peseiro is not giving up, though. He believes that his team can bounce back and show their true potential in the next game against Ivory Coast, who started with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau. “If you create the same opportunities, you’re going to score,” Peseiro said Wednesday. “Like I said the last time: Sometimes, the god gives, sometimes the god takes. Sometimes the god takes, sometimes the god gives. It’s the right time for god to give (to) us.”
Peseiro’s faith may be tested on Thursday, as he faces a formidable opponent and a hostile crowd. Will he be able to overcome the challenges and lead Nigeria to victory? Or will he succumb to the pressure and disappoint the millions of fans who are rooting for the “Super Eagles?
