Umar Sadiq stars for Real Sociedad following withdrawal from Nigeria AFCON 2023 squad due to injury

The striker picked up an injury on duty for the national team at AFCON

Only a few days after being forced unavailable for the Africa Cup of Nations because of an injury, striker Umar Sadiq managed to make an appearance for Real Sociedad on Wednesday. This surprised Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, who said he was perplexed.

After claiming to have a knee ailment, Sadiq was carted back to his club team last week. It was anticipated that he would be out for roughly three weeks, which meant he would miss most of the continental tournament.

But to Peseiro’s tremendous delight, he played in Real Sociedad’s 2-0 Copa del Rey victory over Osasuna on Wednesday night after coming off the bench in the 73rd minute.

‘I’m also confused,’ Peseiro said when asked about Sadiq’s rapid recovery.

‘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 added: ‘I am happy that he recovered well. I am sad that he’s not here to help us.

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In a friendly match against Guinea on January 8, Sadiq won his ninth cap for his nation as Nigeria got ready for the AFCON in the Ivory Coast this year.

After suffering an injury setback, it was determined that he would not be well enough to compete in the competition. As a result, Southampton attacker Paul Onuachu, who is presently on loan at Trabzonspor in Turkey, was added to the team.

Even in Gipuzkoa, his reappearance has been met with amazement. Even still, Imanol Alguacil will appreciate his prompt return because his forward options are ineffective. Alguacil has to rely on Mikel Oyarzabal to get him through the centre since Andre Silva and Carlos Fernandez haven’t performed well in the opportunities they’ve been given.

Takefusa Kubo will need all the assistance he can get upfront during a hectic January, nevertheless, as he is away at the Asian Cup.

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