Sports

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

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

Editor

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

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

14 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

6 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.