By Milcah Tanimu

Nigeria’s head coach, José Peseiro, has voiced his bewilderment over the inclusion of Umar Sadiq in the Real Sociedad squad, despite the forward being ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury.

Sadiq, 26, is set to play for Sociedad in their Copa del Rey match against Osasuna on Wednesday, raising questions about the nature of his injury that initially prevented him from representing Nigeria in the Africa Cup.

Nigeria faces host nation Ivory Coast on Thursday, putting pressure on Peseiro’s “Super Eagles” following a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their opening game. Ivory Coast began the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.

Expressing his confusion during a press conference, Peseiro stated, “I’m also confused. What I can 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 revealed that Sadiq expressed a desire to stay with the Nigerian squad, but the coaching staff made the decision to replace him before the January 3 deadline for submitting the squad lists for the tournament.

“I am happy that he recovered well. I am sad that he’s not here to help us,” added Peseiro.

The Portuguese coach has faced criticism after Nigeria, considered one of the tournament favorites, failed to secure a win in their opening game. Nigeria dominated the match against Equatorial Guinea but only managed a 1-1 draw. Star forward Victor Osimhen scored, but the team struggled to convert numerous opportunities. Peseiro remains optimistic about their chances, emphasizing the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities in upcoming matches.