Sadiq Umar ruled out of 2023 AFCON, Onuachu invited as replacement

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has been officially ruled out of the AFCON 2023 tournament after suffering a knee injury with Paul Onuachu invited in his place.

Umar, 26, was named in Jose Peseiro’s final 25-man squad-list, alongside fellow strikers Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

The towering 6ft.4in striker participated in the team’s two friendly games in preparation for the tournament but was substituted in the first half of the match against Guinea, as a precautionary measure by the medical team.

READ ALSO: Paul Onuachu set to be named in Super Eagles AFCON squad

Since that encounter, Umar has been unable to join team training, prompting further examinations.

Parts of his right knee were strapped with a bandage, and subsequent checks confirmed a knee injury that will sideline him for a minimum of three weeks.

This injury compounds the striking woes for the Super Eagles, as Victor Boniface was earlier ruled out of the tournament due to an adductor injury, with Terem Moffi stepping in as a replacement.

With Umar now sidelined, Victor Osimhen stands as the sole fit striker for Nigeria, with Terem Moffi and Kelechi Iheanacho yet to join the team. Iheanacho, who is recovering from a muscular problem, is expected to link up with the squad on Saturday.

PAUL ONUACHU IN

Due to injury to Sadiq Umar, Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu has been invited to the Super Eagles for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.

29-year old Onuachu has been in fine form for Trabzonspor this season and will look to revive his International career at the AFCON.