The fitness issue that led to the departure of Real Sociedad striker, Sadiq Umar, from the Super Eagles camp at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, is now a subject of controversy. Turn of events at his LaLiga side has contradicted earlier fitness doubts, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Sadiq left the Super Eagles camp with what was diagnosed as a thigh injury that will keep him out for three weeks, effectively ruling him out of the tournament and leading to his replacement by Paul Onuachu.

However, in just a little over 24 hours after he left the Eagles’ camp, his La Liga club posted a video of the striker in light training, running and doing short sprints, which isn’t possible for a player suffering from a thigh injury.

The video has now raised doubts over the authenticity of the diagnosis of the medical team of the Nigerian team, particularly with further reports saying he could be available for selection on Saturday when his club take on Celta Vigo.

It will be recalled that Sadiq told OwnGoalNigeria.com that he only suffered a knock and will be back in training the next day, but upon his arrival he was stopped from joining the team by Jose Peseiro and later asked to leave the camp on the advice of the doctor, who said he will be out for three weeks.

Some sports analysts have carpeted Super Eagles’ team doctors over the fitness issue surrounding Umar.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has countered their claims. According to the NFF, “We are surprised at the news trending on social media concerning Sadiq Umar and how he was withdrawn from the team camp. The fact is that our medical team meticulously abided by the best medical procedures and were diligent in their processes and conclusions before advising Head Coach José Peseiro that the player be withdrawn from the squad.

“The player, Sadiq Umar, was okay when he arrived at camp; he had to undergo the standard pre-competition medical assessment and he was good. He started to train with the team. Unfortunately, he copped an injury on the back of his left knee during our friendly match against Guinea in Abu Dhabi on January 8, that led to a penalty against our opponents.

“The medical team advised that he substituted, as a cautionary measure, but he said he was fine and could continue the game. At half time, he said he reiterated that he was good to continue playing, and he played the entire 90 minutes.

“However, the following day, he woke up to see the knee swollen, and the medical team had to apply, ice which is the normal thing. The same day, we had to travel to Lagos and on January 10, flew to Abidjan. Then, the swelling became worse.

“Most of the reports we have seen are not a true representation of what happened. We have a very competent medical team, who are well-trained in sport and exercise medicine and highly experienced and exposed to the most modern techniques and practices,” NFF stated. (The Guardian)

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