CONFUSION SURROUNDS UMAR SADIQ'S RETURN TO ACTION

Coach Peseiro Left Confused:

Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro expressed his confusion over reports that striker Umar Sadiq was set to return to action for his club Real Sociedad just days after pulling out of the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury. Peseiro stated that he had received a report from the medical team confirming Sadiq's injury and believed that the player would not be able to recover in such a short time.

Club's Decision:

According to Peseiro, the club received the medical report and advised Sadiq to return for recovery, even suggesting the possibility of surgery. Despite both Peseiro and Sadiq wanting the player to stay, they made the decision to replace him on the last day allowed for player substitutions.

Replacement and Pressure:

Sadiq's spot was taken by forward Paul Onuachu, who played as a substitute in Nigeria's opening match against Equatorial Guinea. The team's 1-1 draw in that match has put pressure on Peseiro's side ahead of their second game against hosts Ivory Coast.

Mixed Emotions:

Peseiro expressed his happiness over Sadiq's recovery but also his sadness that the player couldn't be there to help the team. Sadiq sustained the injury in a pre-tournament friendly against Guinea.

Real Sociedad's Coach's Statement:

Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil suggested that it was the Nigerian Football Federation's decision to send Sadiq back to his club, potentially making him available for their Copa del Rey match against Osasuna.

Injury Update:

Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, who replaced the injured Wilfred Ndidi, will not be able to play against Ivory Coast due to his own injury. Peseiro revealed that Yusuf's injury is not severe, but he is not ready for the upcoming match.

Ivory Coast's Fitness Concerns:

Ivory Coast is concerned about the fitness of striker Sebastien Haller and winger Simon Adingra, both of whom missed the opening match against Guinea-Bissau. Coach Jean-Louis Gasset stated that both players have returned to training and are on the right track, but a final decision on their availability will be made after consulting with the medical staff and the players themselves.