Sadiq Umar was ruled out of the AFCON because he was struggling with an injury, but he seems to have recovered quickly
Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has returned to light training at Real Sociedad one week after he was ruled out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Sadiq made Jose Peseiro’s 25-man squad for the 2023 AFCON, and he was expected to light up the competition in Ivory Coast. However, he was ruled out after sustaining a slight injury in Nigeria’s preparatory AFCON game against Guinea, which they lost 2-0. In his place, coach Jose Peseiro called up Trabzonspor hitman Paul Onuachu.
Afterwards, the 26-year-old striker returned to Spain for further examination and treatment. Sadiq arrived in Spain just days ago, and Real Sociedad have shared a video of him in light training.
Sadiq ya inicia su recuperación en Zubieta pic.twitter.com/n6GyI5QkCC
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) January 15, 2024
Despite his return to light training, Sadiq will not be able to return to Ivory Coast for the Nations Cup as his place has already been taken.
He would have to focus on his club in the meantime. Laliga action has already resumed. But next for Real Sociedad is a Copa del Rey fixture at the Estadio El Sadar against Osasuna. Sadiq would hope to be fit and make the squad for the game.
