The Super Eagles striker scored a goal on his full debut against Guinea-Bissau, but his performance was not convincing
Super Eagles gaffer Augustine Eguavoen has criticised striker Sadiq Umar for his average performance against Guinea-Bissau, but he stated that the Almeria man could still improve.
Umar got his full debut in Nigeria’s final group stage game against Guinea-Bissau, but he failed to impress. The Almeria man struggled with the ball on his feet and was wasteful in front of goal.
But fortunately, his night was saved thanks to a brilliant pass from Kelechi Iheanacho, which he calmly finished from close range.
The 24-year-old striker’s performance in the game left many Super Eagles fans with question marks over his quality.
And ahead of the game against Tunisia on Sunday, Eguavoen shared the views of the fans, criticising Umar for his mistakes. However, he admitted that the former Olympic Bronze medallist still has time to improve.
“He should look for assist before he scores goals,” Eguavoen said at his pre-match press conference.
“Sadiq has scored a good number of goals for his club side, and I reminded him that his primary duty is to score goals or create assists.”
“I know his instinct is to score goals as a striker, but he should pass to assist.”
“I believe Sadiq is an important part of this team,” Eguavoen added.
It is unlikely that Umar would lead the Super Eagles again, but it appears he is next in the pecking order behind Taiwo Awoniyi.
The ignore of Cyriel Dessers by the handler is hunting the potency of our attack and making our attack on the bench not much reliable
Sadiq needs to take his chances.As an attacker you do not mess up with your opportunity at the goal.This may not avail itself again,so once you have it use it.I was not happy with his missed opportunities and his slippery passes that evening.Thank God for his goal that calm my nerves.I think he should be played at 70 minutes in the second half because he will be needed when our opponent his getting weak.The same will be said to all members of the team because they need to play together ,cover any loopholes irrespective of who flaws.Samuel needs to step up his game also.If he can replicate what Moses does at the left flank at the right ,we will see a more bitting and attacking Super Eagles.Recall,when Emenike left and Finidi right were in their playing days in the Super Eagles.The flanks were superb plus supplies from the mid fielders .We had a very powerful team then.Ola should be very careful not to repeat the mistake he did against Sudan.The Tunisians are very trickish when it comes to diving in the eighteen yard.You guys should strive to play together as one United team and think positive.You can bring the cup home.Go for goals Super Eagles.