WATCH Video: Sadiq Umar trains with Real Sociedad days after being ruled out of 2023 AFCON with injury
Super Eagles of Nigeria striker Sadiq Umar has resumed light training with Real Sociedad, just one week after being ruled out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), SportsRation reports.
Sadiq Umar was part of Jose Peseiro’s 25-man squad for the 2023 AFCON, with high expectations but unfortunately suffered a slight injury during Nigeria’s preparatory AFCON game against Guinea, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament.
In his absence, Paul Onuachu from Trabzonspor was called up by Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro, the Trabzonspor man even had minutes in the teams opening group game, a 1-1 draw vs Equatorial Guinea.
Prior to Sunday’s game, 26-year-old Sadiq Umar had left the Super Eagles camp and returned to Spain for further examination and treatment.
Spanish La Liga outfit Real Sociedad on Monday, January 15, 2024 shared a video showing Sadiq Umar engaged in light training, indicating positive progress in his recovery.
WATCH VIDEO OF SADIQ UMAR TRAINING AS SHARED BY REAL SOCIEDAD
Despite the encouraging signs, Sadiq Umar will not be able to participate in the Nations Cup, as his spot has already been filled by Paul Onuachu.
The focus for now will be on his recovery and readiness for club commitments.
Real Sociedad is set to face Osasuna in a Copa del Rey fixture at the Estadio El Sadar.
Sadiq Umar aims to regain full fitness and potentially make the squad in the shortest possible time as his movement in the training video indicates he did not suffer a serious injury.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign continues on Thursday, January 18, 2024 with a big game vs tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire at the Alassana Oauttara Stadium in Abidjan.
