The Super Eagles' injury crisis leading up to the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast seems to have no end at the moment
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reportedly suffered a major setback ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 with striker Umar Sadiq now set to miss the entire tournament.
Sadiq Umar's injury status
Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar has reportedly pulled out of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast after suffering an injury in training.
00:05 - 29.12.2023
Umar Sadiq's cracking goal for Real Sociedad shortlisted for LALIGA award
Nigeria's Umar Sadiq's wonder goal could win him a LALIGA award, but he faces opposition from Real Madrid and Real Betis players.
14:07 - 04.01.2024
Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Uzoho and 2 others arrive AFCON Camp
Francis Uzoho has arrived at the Nigeria Super Eagles camp for AFCON duty accompanied by two other players.
It is believed that the former Almeria forward suffered a muscle injury that forced him to train individually in the Super Eagles' latest training session; however, it was later reported that the striker would at worst miss Nigeria’s opening game against Guinea.
New reports, according to X user @Mike_ThePundit have now put the striker’s recovery at three weeks, effectively ruling him out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and leaving the Super Eagles short-staffed upfront, a position that should have been their biggest strength.
Sadiq will now return to Spain to recover with Real Sociedad’s medical team overseeing his recovery.
Super Eagles' Striker Crisis
Sadiq’s condition worsens the Super Eagles’ striker crisis as Victor Osimhen is currently the only striker in the squad without injury issues. Kelechi Iheanacho has only recently recovered from a muscular injury and is expected to join the squad soon.
Terem Moffi, who is a late replacement for the injured Victor Boniface, will also join the team shortly. However, both Iheanacho and Moffi will not be available for selection in the opening game against Equatorial Guinea
Camp Update and Player Arrivals
The Super Eagles camp in Abu Dhabi has been swelling with player arrivals in preparation for the AFCON. Players like Alhassan Yusuf and goalkeeper Francis Uzoho have also arrived.
Napoli striker and African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was expected to join the camp, further bolstering the team's lineup. The team, under coach Jose Peseiro, is focusing on reclaiming glory in the upcoming tournament.
Related content
20:23 - 11.01.2024
WATCH: Super Eagles stars and Peseiro dance and celebrate in AFCON 2023 promo video
The Super Eagles of Nigeria appeared in high spirits, dancing and celebrating in an AFCON 2023 promotional video posted by CAF.
18:43 - 11.01.2024
The greatest hat-tricks in AFCON history
There have been more than a doze hat-tricks scored at the Africa Cup of Nations, but which ones rank as the most notable in the competition's history?
09:06 - 11.01.2024
BBL done and dusted - Nigeria's Victor Boniface gives surgery update
Nigeria Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface successfully completed his surgery to fix his knee injury.
06:03 - 11.01.2024
Nigerian academies left behind as Benfica top world profitability chart
Benfica has been ranked as the world's most profitable academy, with Nigerian academies nowhere to be found.
14:51 - 10.01.2024
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface gets 'side hustle' after AFCON2023 heartbreak
Nigeria's Victor Boniface bounces back after he was ruled out of the Super Eagles AFCON2023 campaign due to an injury.
09:50 - 10.01.2024
AFCON2023 Countdown: 5 things you need to know
The Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON2023, is just days away and Cote d'Ivoire is ready to host to rest of the continent and stars.
09:45 - 10.01.2024
Moffi replaces injured Boniface, to join Super Eagles squad in Cote d'Ivoire
Terem Moffi has been called up to the Nigeria squad for AFCON 2023, to replace the injured Victor Boniface.
07:53 - 10.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Good News for Nigerians as NTA comes to the rescue after DSTV announcement
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is set to be shown in Nigeria days after Multichoice announced they would not be showing the competition on DSTV and GOTV.
06:45 - 10.01.2024
Sadio Mane and Osimhen spearhead list of 5 players to watch at AFCON 2023
Sadio Mane and Senegal are the defending champions of the AFCON, while Nigeria's Victor Osimhen is the 2023 African Player of the Year.
05:57 - 10.01.2024
Victor Boniface: Voting opens for Super Eagles star to claim 5th Rookie of the Month
Nigeria's Victor Boniface has won the last four Rookie of the Month in the Bundesliga and could make it the fifth in a row.
19:29 - 09.01.2024
Pulse predicts: 5 favourites for AFCON 2023 Golden Boot
These five players are primed to showcase their scoring prowess when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Ivory Coast
15:54 - 09.01.2024
AFCON 2023 Boniface, Iheanacho injuries dictate a transitional approach for Jose Peseiro's Super Eagles
Injuries to Nigeria's most flexible attackers may mean even greater flexibility is required of Jose Peseiro if the Super Eagles are to succeed at AFCON 2023
09:14 - 09.01.2024
AFCON 2023: Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro calls up six-goal star to replace injured Boniface
Boniface has been ruled out of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign but Peseiro has already found his replacement.
07:41 - 09.01.2024
What makes Victor Boniface a special kid - Nigerian legend Mikel Obi
Nigeria Super Eagles legend John Mikel Obi believes Victor Boniface is going to be special and has made an interesting prediction about his future.