AFCON

“We have to be back stronger”- Umar targets redemption after World Cup disappointment

The three-time African champions suffered a painful heartbreak in March courtesy of Ghana, but they would look to bounce back against the Leone stars

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar wants to put behind the disappointment of not qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and bounce back with victories against Sierra Leone and Mauritius in the upcoming Nations Cup qualifiers.

The three-time African champions missed out on a spot in Qatar after a 1-1 draw in Abuja ensured that their weaker Ghanaian counterparts picked the World Cup ticket by the away goals rule.

Umar was a substitute in that game, but the time was too short for him to make an impact.

However, the Almeria man is looking to bounce back from the disappointment when the Super Eagles kick off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on the 9th of June against Sierra Leone.

“We are all getting ready for the game”, Umar told NFF TV.

“After the World Cup qualifiers, we told ourselves that we have to be back stronger and we have to show it.”

Umar also spoke about life under new boss Jose Peseiro, stating the team’s readiness to impress under the Portuguese tactician.

“I’ve had my first training with him. We did all the training with the ball, and we’re just trying to understand what he wants, and we all hope we can give him what he wants.” Umar said.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Chrisantus Uche gifts young fan his shirt after racial abuse outcry in Getafe-Barcelona draw

Nigerian midfielder Chrisantus Uche turned a challenging period into an inspiring moment after Getafe’s 1-1… Read More

26 minutes ago

Euro Leagues update: Rasheedat Ajibade shines for Atletico Madrid, Lookman’s excellent strike insufficient for Atalanta

Super Falcons star Rasheedat Ajibade scored for Atletico Madrid in their 1-1 draw against Levante… Read More

5 hours ago

Serie A giants Juventus join race for Super Eagles star with two goals for Nigeria

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Super Eagles midfielder dazzling in Serie A with Lazio, has become a… Read More

18 hours ago

Samuel Chukwueze: Super Eagles star set to return to training at AC Milan after hamstring injury

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is set to return to training at AC Milan next… Read More

18 hours ago

AFCON 2025: Nigeria’s Osimhen, Gabon’s Aubameyang make bold predictions for MVP award

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have shared their predictions for the… Read More

19 hours ago

Nottingham Forest head coach denies Awoniyi exit talks, backs Super Eagles striker to hit top form

Nottingham Forest head coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, has shunned exit talks concerning Super Eagles striker,… Read More

20 hours ago