Super Eagles of Nigeria confirm Sadiq Umar's replacement at AFCON 2023

The Super Eagles of Nigeria in an official statement have confirmed the player that will take the place of the injured Sadiq Umar at AFCON 2023.

There had been initial doubts about the match fitness of Sadiq Umar following a knock he picked up during the friendlies against Guinea.

The Super Eagles in a message for fans on social media today, Friday, January 12, 2024, that the Spanish La Liga forward is out and will be replaced by Paul Onauchu of Southampton who is currently on loan at the  Süper Lig club Trabzonspor.

AFCON 2023: Fresh injury concerns rattle the Super Eagles of Nigeria training camp

Huge injury concerns have taken center stage in the Super Eagles of Nigeria camp ahead of their preparation for AFCON 2023 which is set to kick off on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

Following the arrival of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Ivory Coast on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, and the commencement of their first team training upon arrival reports are currently in circulation that two attackers might be poised to miss the first game due to injury.

The thoughts of key players missing out on Nigeria's first AFCON 2023 game sent the waves of panic across social media with fans wondering what exactly is wrong in the training camp ahead of the tournament.

READ ALSO: Top 5 goalscorers who will challenge for the Golden Boot at AFCON 2023

Who are the Nigerian players injured in AFCON 2023?

Kelechi Iheanacho

It is still uncertain if the Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho will be available for selection for Nigeria ahead of the first game at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast. These concerns are not unfounded as the talented forward handmade his way to the camp when he was recovering from a knock he picked up in the championship fixture for his club.

Reports show that Nigeria's coaching team is optimistic about Iheanacho being available for other games ahead of the tournament, if not the first.

Sadiq Umar

Real Sociedad forward Sadiq Umar had been another main concern for the Super Eagles of Nigeria after he showed up to the first training session in Ivory Coast heavily strapped.

In an official confirmation shared by the Super Eagles of Nigeria Sadiq Umar has been ruled out with a knee injury that will see him miss out of all football activities for the next three weeks.

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