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Nigeria coach José Peseiro says he is ‘confused’ about why Umar Sadiq could play for Spanish team Real Sociedad, despite an injury ruling the forward out the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sadiq, 26, was included in Sociedad’s squad for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey match against Osasuna and took part in the match, when Peseiro said he believed the player’s injury would save him from playing for Nigeria at AFCON.
“I’m confused too,” Peseiro said when asked about Sadiq on Wednesday. “What I can say is that I’ve looked at the medical examination report that he’s injured and can’t in 15 days, at least, or more. “. . . The report went to the club, and the club said I had to go back to the Array. “
Peseiro said Sadiq wanted to stay with the Nigeria squad but that he and his coaching staff decided to replace him before Jan. 3, the final day to submit the squad lists for the tournament.
“I am happy that he recovered well. I am sad that he’s not here to help us,” Peseiro said.
Nigeria will face hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday at the Peseiro Super Eagles after a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their opening match. Côte d’Ivoire opened with a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau.
The Portuguese coach has faced criticism after Nigeria’s draw, while his team has also conceded at least a goal in each of its last six games including the 2-0 loss to Guinea in competition warm-up game.
Star forward Victor Osimhen scored but also squandered several chances in the team’s first match of the tournament, which Nigeria ruled without a win. The Super Eagles controlled 19 shots on purpose, compared to Equatorial Guinea’s seven.
“If you create the same opportunities, you’re going to score,” Peseiro said Wednesday. “Like I said the last time: Sometimes, the god gives, sometimes the god takes. It’s the right time for god to give (to) us.”