Concerns loom over the fitness of Umar Sadiq, the Real Sociedad attacker, just days before Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Equatorial Guinea. Sadiq, who emerged as a surprise inclusion in the final squad, has missed full training sessions for the second consecutive day, sparking genuine worry within the team.

During the workout at Ecole Nationale de la Police, Sadiq was notably absent from the session, opting to wear canvas shoes, indicating his likelihood to sit out even before training began. While present, he remained on the sidelines while his teammates engaged in on-field activities.

The 26-year-old, recovering from a career-threatening cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for a significant part of the previous season, has not been at his peak form. This season, he has managed two goals in twenty-two appearances across all competitions for Real Sociedad. The Super Eagles management will closely monitor Sadiq’s condition as they approach their AFCON campaign opener.