‘Injured’ Sadiq Umar defies NFF doctors, set for Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey clash

Real Sociedad’s Nigerian striker Sadiq Umar has garnered controversy recently due to his supposed injury, which ruled him out of the Super Eagles’ AFCON side and subsequent inclusion in the squad for a Copa del Rey match, merely days later.

Umar was initially ruled out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to what was diagnosed as a thigh injury, expected to sideline him for three weeks. This led to his replacement in the Nigeria national team by Paul Onuachu.

However, the situation took a surprising turn when Umar was listed for Real Sociedad's Copa del Rey game against Osasuna, raising questions about the authenticity of his injury diagnosis​​​​.

The controversy intensified when a video of Umar training at Real Sociedad surfaced on social media, showing him running and doing short sprints. This footage contradicted the nature of his reported injury and led to speculation and criticism from the public and media.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) defended their medical team's professionalism in handling Umar's case, amid growing doubts over the accuracy of their diagnosis and the decision to withdraw him from the AFCON squad​​​​.

Umar's injury has been a significant setback for Real Sociedad. He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture during a match against Getafe, which led to him being sidelined for several months. This injury was a major blow to both Umar's season and Real Sociedad's campaign, as Umar had quickly become a key player for the team following his transfer from Almeria​​​​.

The situation with Umar is a clear example of the complexities and challenges that can arise in professional sports regarding player injuries, their impact on team selections, and the communication between clubs and national teams. 

Umar's swift return to training and subsequent inclusion in the Copa del Rey squad despite his recent injury highlights these challenges and the often fast-paced environment of football, where player health and team needs must be carefully balanced.