The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted allegations of negligence and unprofessional conduct related to 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, News About Nigeria reports.
The NFF’s communication department released a statement on Tuesday, addressing the controversy surrounding Umar’s withdrawal.
The NFF clarified that Umar’s withdrawal was due to a knee injury sustained 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 AFCON tournament.
The NFF stated that their medical team followed appropriate procedures, consulting a knee surgeon in Spain before deciding to withdraw Umar from the squad.
The statement from the NFF’s communication department noted, “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.”
Additionally, the NFF clarified that Umar actively participated in the decision-making process and initiated his rehabilitation with the Super Eagles’ physiotherapist before returning to his club in Spain.
“The fact is that our medical team meticulously abided by the best medical procedures and were diligent in their processes and conclusions before advising Head Coach José Peseiro that the player be withdrawn from the squad,” the statement said.
The NFF expressed surprise at the news circulating on social media concerning Sadiq Umar and stated that the medical team’s actions were in the best interest of the nation and the player’s career.
The federation reiterated that the player was involved in the decision-making process and received proper medical attention throughout the incident.
