AFCON2023: Super Eagles turn to giant Paul Onuachu after losing Umar Sadiq to injury curse
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AFCON: Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu. (Photo Credit: Imago)

FOOTBALL AFCON2023: Super Eagles turn to giant Paul Onuachu after losing Umar Sadiq to injury curse

AFCON2023: Super Eagles turn to giant Paul Onuachu after losing Umar Sadiq to injury curse

Izuchukwu Akawor • 22:34 - 11.01.2024

Nigeria's Super Eagles have been forced into another late substitute in the AFCON squad with Paul Onuachu taking the place of Umar Sadiq.

The Nigeria Super Eagles have swiftly moved to soften the blow of losing Umar Sadiq by calling up giant striker Paul Onuachu.

Onuachi will fill the void left by the crocked Real Sociedad man as Jose Peseiro has acted quickly ahead of the AFCON2023 slated to kick off on Saturday.

Onuachu takes Sadiq’s place

The Trabzonspor man, who stands at a towering 6ft 8in, now has a chance to represent his country at the AFCON and be the go-to man up front.

Onuachu’s chance came following an unfortunate injury to his compatriot, Sadiq, who will now miss the 34th AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq |is out of the AFCON2023.
Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq |is out of the AFCON2023. (Photo Credit: Imago

Pulse Sports Nigeria reported that the Super Eagles face a mounting injury crisis, with the Real Sociedad forward joining the list of players on the sidelines. 

The 26-year-old joined Bayer Leverkusen man, Victor Boniface, to exit the AFCON2023 due to a knee problem.

Onuachu celebrating a goal for Trabzonspor || Image credit: Imago

Sadiq was conspicuously missing as the Super Eagles trained in Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday ahead of their opener against Equatorial Guinea on Monday.

However, Jose Peseiro and his coaching crew have now moved quickly to call up Onuachu as a replacement per a post by OJB on X.com.

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The Southampton player has been in superb form following his switch from England to the Turkish Super Lig.

In 15 appearances for the former champions, the striker, who is on loan from the Championship, has impressed with nine goals and three assists for the club.

Paul Onuachu in action for Nigeria

Onuachu will now join his national teammates in Cote d’Ivoire, hoping to replicate his club form for his nation at Africa’s biggest football tournament.

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Umar Sadiq Nigeria Paul Onuachu