Super Eagles' Medical Team clears the air on Sadiq Umar's exit from AFCON 2023

Amidst controversy and unfounded speculations, the Super Eagles' medical team has stepped forward to set the record straight regarding the withdrawal of Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar from Nigeria's squad at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire.

In response to misleading reports, the medical team outlines the meticulous process and professionalism they applied in handling Sadiq Umar's injury. 

The Super Eagles' medical team has responded to recent media reports surrounding the withdrawal of Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar from Nigeria's squad for the ongoing 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire. They have expressed their disappointment with the proliferation of conspiracy theories, incorrect assumptions, and unwarranted insinuations in the media.

Their statement read, “Contrary to the speculations, our medical team adhered to the highest standards of professionalism when dealing with Sadiq Umar's medical condition. We find it surprising that there has been such a flurry of misleading information circulating on social media regarding the circumstances of his withdrawal from the team camp, as per Arise TV.

The statement released by the Super Eagles medical team goes ahead to explain the circumstances of Umar’s exclusion saying, “When Sadiq Umar initially arrived at the camp, he underwent the standard pre-competition medical assessment, which he passed with no issues. He began training with the team and was in good spirits.

“Unfortunately, during our friendly match against Guinea in Abu Dhabi on January 8th, he suffered an injury to the back of his left knee, resulting in a penalty for our opponents. At this point, the medical team advised that he be substituted as a precautionary measure, but Sadiq insisted that he was fine and wanted to continue playing. He played the full 90 minutes of the match.

“The following day, however, he woke up to find that his knee had swollen considerably. The medical team took the standard action of applying ice to manage the swelling. We had to travel to Lagos that same day and then fly to Abidjan on January 10th, during which time the swelling worsened.”

The medical team decried the spread of rumours concerning Umar’s condition, stating, “It is essential to clarify that many reports in circulation do not accurately represent the actual events. Our medical team comprises highly competent professionals trained in sports and exercise medicine, possessing extensive experience and exposure to modern techniques and practices.

They followed all appropriate processes and protocols in consultation with a knee surgeon in Spain whom Sadiq Umar had contacted. The decision to withdraw him from the squad was made in the best interest of the nation and the player's career.

“While our medical team maintains their professionalism and respect for privacy by not engaging in public disputes, we want to emphasise that we will not tolerate any attempts to undermine our collective responsibility as Team Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations championship. 

Sadiq Umar was kept informed throughout the process, and he initiated his rehabilitation under the supervision of the team physiotherapist before returning to his club in Spain.”