The Nigeria Football Federation has denied allegations of negligence and unprofessional conduct concerning the withdrawal of Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar from the Super Eagles squad for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Umar had to step down from the squad due to an injury with Trabzonspor’s forward, Paul Onuachu, replacing him.
However, a video of Umar training individually in Spain after his return circulated on social media, leading to criticism of the NFF.
Responding to the situation, the NFF’s communication department in a statement released on Tuesday noted that Umar’s case was professionally handled by the medical team.
The statement clarified that Umar arrived at the camp in good condition, underwent standard medical assessments, and sustained a knee injury during a friendly match against Guinea.
Despite being advised to be substituted, Umar insisted on playing the entire match. Upon returning to Spain, he experienced swelling in his knee, worsening during the team’s travel to Abidjan for the tournament. The NFF stressed that their medical team followed appropriate procedures, consulting a knee surgeon in Spain before deciding to withdraw Umar from the squad.
The NFF stated, “Most of the reports we have seen are not a true representation of what happened. We have a very competent medical team who are well-trained in sport and exercise medicine and highly experienced and exposed to the most modern techniques and practices.”
