Sadiq Umar, the Super Eagles and Real Sociedad striker, has broken his silence on the relentless criticism Nigerian players face from their own fans. The 27-year-old forward, who has been battling form issues since suffering an ACL injury in 2022, shared his frustrations in an emotional interview with Sportsblog247.com.

The former Rangers man was a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the just-concluded AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. Despite skepticism surrounding his call-up, Sadiq only played a single minute in the loss to Rwanda. His inclusion stirred up a storm of criticism, further compounding the pressure on a player struggling to regain his best form.

Reflecting on the challenges, Sadiq revealed the mental toll Nigerian fans’ lack of support takes on him and his teammates.

“It’s tough to play here. When we come to represent Nigeria, it’s not for the money. It’s for the love of the country—our home. But then, you’re met with questions about why you’re here, even told to return to Europe,” he lamented.

Sadiq recalled that older players once warned them about struggles abroad, but now, he believes the real hostility comes from home. “We are killing ourselves,” he said, referring to the negative comments and relentless scrutiny players face on social media.

“Football these days is about mentality. If you’re not mentally tough, you can’t play football. I’ve seen teammates in tears after games because of the fans’ reactions. It’s painful.”

Despite his challenges, Sadiq remains hopeful for better days, both with Real Sociedad and the Super Eagles. However, his words serve as a stark reminder of the growing pressure on athletes, especially in a social media-driven era.