A storm of controversy has engulfed Nigerian football, swirling around the mismanaged injury of Real Sociedad’s Umar Sadiq just before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Many have delved deep into the intricacies of the situation, attempting to discern where the blame truly lies – with Real Sociedad, Coach Jose Peseiro, or the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and its team doctors.
Nigerians are right to be displeased with the unfortunate circumstances that led to Sadiq not participating in his second continental championships after the striker’s efforts to recover from a career-threatening injury last year.
Sadiq, riding high on an excellent start in La Liga this season, was a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.
With Victor Boniface already ruled out of Cote d’Ivoire 2023 and Kelechi Iheanacho not fully fit, Sadiq was expected to be the perfect strike partner for main man Victor Osimhen.
However, an untimely injury during a friendly against Guinea, resulting in a 2-0 defeat, set off a chain of events that led to a contentious blame game.
Is Real Sociedad to blame?
Examining Real Sociedad’s role requires a nuanced approach. If collusion with NFF team doctors is absent, the club’s actions seem justified.
Independent tests upon Sadiq’s return from Cote d’Ivoire revealed only bruises, allowing the club to field him in subsequent matches responsibly.
Ignoring screams and banters on social media, Real Sociedad played Sadiq for the final 17 minutes in their 2-0 Copa del Rey win at Osasuna the night before Nigeria clashed with Cote d’Ivoire.
Sadiq then featured for all 90 minutes as Sociedad fought out a tough 1-0 win at Celta Vigo on Saturday to confirm he is as fit as a racehorse.
While this may trigger hurt in some, Sadiq has released a statement that reveals his support for Nigeria, absolving both him and Real Sociedad from any malicious intent.
“Representing Nigeria is always my priority: I will never take it for granted. I would gladly accept if I could return to the team. I am sad that I am not with my colleagues but happy they are winning.
“I extend my best wishes to the Super Eagles in the ongoing African Cup of Nations,” the statement reads in part.
That is clearly from a man who wishes things had turned out differently.
Is Jose Peseiro to blame?
Jose Peseiro is not by any stretch among the most liked coaches to have ever handled the Super Eagles, with many of his decisions not sitting well with fans, former internationals, and pundits alike.
While some of the criticisms levelled against him have been justified, Peseiro, however, acted correctly in his decision regarding Sadiq.
Coach Peseiro, navigating a delicate situation, adhered to the counsel of team doctors.
Under pressure to finalise the AFCON squad, Peseiro faced a race against time, but the former Porto boss has planted the blame firmly on the doorsteps of the Super Eagles’ medical team
Peseiro even appeared shocked to see Sadiq return to the pitch just days after his own people concluded the player would be out of action for weeks.
“I’m also confused,’ Peseiro said when asked about Sadiq’s rapid recovery.
“What can I say? I saw the report from the medical test that he’s injured and that he cannot recover in 15 days, at least, or more time.
“The report went to the club, and the club said he must come (back) to recover.”
Peseiro added: “I am happy that he recovered well. I am sad that he’s not here to help us.”
Peseiro’s statement undoubtedly indicts the team’s medical handlers.
The Portuguese tactician is right and rational, though, in his decision to replace an injured Sadiq with Paul Onuachu, considering the physical demands of the tournament.
However, questions linger about the feasibility of conducting more tests given the tight timeframe.
Are the NFF and the national team doctors to blame?
While fans have shown no mercy in knocking coach Peseiro, Umar Sadiq, and Real Sociedad, their worst vituperations have, however, been directed at the Super Eagles team doctors.
Even Peseiro aimed a thinly veiled knock at them.
Under different circumstances and conditions, many of the criticisms would have also been justified.
However, the Super Eagles’ medical team, confronted with Sadiq’s injury history, erred on the side of caution.
Limited facilities available to the team in Abidjan constrained their ability to conduct thorough assessments, leading to a conservative diagnosis.
With Nigeria already running with 25 players where others had 27, it is clear to see why the medical team decided it was better to have a fit Paul Onuachu raring to go than keep a Sadiq who may not feature for the team until the semifinals, which is not guaranteed.
The decision, although protecting the team’s interests, exposed a communication lapse within the NFF.
The prolonged silence and lack of clarification allowed speculation to fester, showcasing a need for better crisis management.
Thankfully, the Super Eagles, despite the absence of Sadiq and several other key players, have shown tremendous solidarity and unity of purpose at the AFCON.
However, as the Nigerian national team continues its quest for a fourth continental title, the Umar Sadiq saga serves as a cautionary tale.
The faults noticed over the past few days extend beyond individuals to systemic issues within the football infrastructure.
Improved communication, transparency, and a collaborative approach are essential moving forward.
Nigeria’s AFCON dream remains alive, propelled by a formidable attacking lineup, but the lessons learned from this controversy should guide future endeavours toward a more cohesive and transparent football landscape.
