Sports

AFCON: Reactions Trail Sadiq Umar’s Absence After Club Match

Published

1 year ago

January 18, 2024

Users on X have begun to lament the absence of Super Eagles striker, Sadiq Umar, from the Eagles’ camp in the ongoing 2023 TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire after he featured in a match for his club, Real Sociedad.

Umar was ruled out of the AFCON after he picked up a knee injury in Nigeria’s 2-0 friendly defeat to the Syli Stars of Guinea.

As contained in a statement on Friday, which was posted on X by the official Super Eagles account, it was announced that another Nigerian forward, Paul Onuachu, will replace Umar.

“Sadiq Umar is out of the AFCON 2023 squad due to injury and Paul Onuachu replaces him,” it tweeted.

However, a video of Umar training individually in Spain after his return, circulated on social media, leading to criticism of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Umar had featured in the club’s 2-0 win against Osasuna in a Copa del Rey encounter on Wednesday where he played for 18 minutes.

Responding to the situation, the NFF’s communication department in a statement released on Tuesday noted that Umar’s case was professionally handled by the medical team, thereby, denying allegations of negligence and unprofessional conduct concerning the withdrawal of Spain-based forward.

Reacting to whether Umar had faked his injury or whether the NFF was negligent and/or political in replacing the player, a user, @A__yabo, tweeted, “I don’t want to believe Umar Sadiq’s case is a wrong assessment from Nigeria’s medical team, it looks like a case of bigotry and politics.”

Another user, @Nwafresh, wrote, “Inside these two scenarios, one of it is true about Umar Sadiq. 1. He faked his injury in collaboration with the Super Eagles medical team for him to go back to Real Sociedad. 2. Our medical team don’t know what they’re doing.”

@Danbatta_1, tweeted, “Umar Sadiq didn’t fake his injury. He insisted he can play at the AFCON as his injury wasn’t that serious, but the management and the medical team decided to replace him with Paul Onuachu. Yesterday, he played for his club Real Sociedad. Shame to the Management.”

@Ik007John, wrote, “Umar Sadiq is a totally different player from Osimhen. I wonder why the coach allowed him to leave camp when he can bring a different approach to his tactics. Shame.”

A tweep, @Auta_Musa_, had a different view.

He wrote, “Aribo overhyped. Chukwueze overrated. Paul Onuachi Overrated Iwobi Overhyped. Victor Osimhen overhyped. Umar Sadiq who is underrated appears to be the game changer against Osasuna last night, but then the management decided to remove him from the squad base on false medical report. We keep on telling you that Sadiq is better than all the Super Eagles attackers but out of hatred you were busy insulting him for leaving the #AFCON2023.”

@mhis_blessing, stated, “All of a sudden UMAR SADIQ haz become important in the Super Eagles. I thought y’all never liked him.”

Sports

Edo Athletics Association Gets New Chairman; Charged To Bring In Fresh Ideas

Published

23 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

Mr. Onome Obruthe, has been inaugurated as the new Chairman of the Edo State Athletics Association; just as he was charged to bring in fresh ideas to the association.

inaugurating the chairman and other exco, Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the appointment as strategic and timely, adding that its signals a fresh chapter for track and field development in the state.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele was quoted as saying, “Today marks the beginning of a new era for athletics in Edo State.

“We are determined to see Edo return to the top as a powerhouse for track and field. Our target is clear: we must win big at Enugu 2026 and beyond,” he declared.

Charging the new chairman, Enabulele emphasized, “Mr. Obruthe, as you take this role, remember you are stepping in as both a leader and a key sponsor. Seek partnerships, bring in fresh ideas, and rally stakeholders. We at the Commission are fully behind you.”

He further noted that performance would be closely monitored: “We will implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track our progress. Accountability and results will guide our collective efforts.”

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Onome Obruthe thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in him, pledging his best to reposition athletics.

“I am truly honoured by this responsibility. I promise to reposition athletics in Edo and build an environment where talent can thrive. I urge our coaches and athletes to get ready for a new era of discipline, growth, and results,” he said.

Obruthe added, “My focus will be on talent discovery, improved training programmes, welfare for athletes and coaches, and attracting meaningful sponsorships that will lift Edo athletics to new heights.”

With these renewed commitments, Edo State continues to position itself as a pacesetter in sports development, capacity building, and talent management — truly living up to its reputation as the Home of Champions.

Sports

Edo Commits To Sports Development, Grassroots Talent Discovery – Enabulele

Published

23 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has restated Edo State’s unwavering commitment to sports development and grassroots talent discovery.

He expressed the state’s commitment when he attended the 2025 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Training Cam at Gymnastics Hall, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The training was organized by the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) and the Union Africaine de Gymnastique (UAG).

Speaking at the event, Enabulele said, “Hosting this training camp in Edo shows the confidence the gymnastics community has in our state as a leading hub for sports in Nigeria. This initiative is not just about theory — it’s about empowering our coaches to develop the next generation of champions.”

While presenting certificates of participation to the coaches, he added, “I urge every coach here to put this new knowledge to work immediately. Take it to the grassroots, build capacity, and help us put Nigerian gymnastics on the world map.”

Enabulele also commended the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria for choosing Edo as host, describing it as a vote of confidence in the state’s sports-friendly policies.

“We will continue to invest in training, facilities, and people. This is the only way to sustain excellence and produce athletes who can compete globally,” he stressed.

Sports

WAFCON: Ihezuo Strikes Late As Nigeria Edge Botswana To Reach Quarter-finals

Published

3 days ago

July 10, 2025

Editor

Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo came off the bench to score a dramatic 89th-minute winner as Nigeria sealed a 1-0 win over Botswana in their Group B clash at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Thursday.

Nigeria looked set for a frustrating evening until Ihezuo met a low cross from Esther Okoronkwo and tapped home at the back post for her second goal of the tournament.

The result, secured at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, confirmed the Super Falcons’ place in the quarter-finals.

Despite being overwhelming favourites, the nine-time champions struggled to break down a resilient Botswana side and their outstanding goalkeeper, Sedilame Boseja.

The Super Falcons were wasteful in front of goal for much of the contest, with Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne both missing first-half chances. Botswana came close to a shock lead through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, whose efforts tested Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.