Soccer-Sadiq latest Nigeria injury casualty ahead of AFCON


Soccer Football - Europa League - Group E - Manchester United v Real Sociedad - Old Trafford Manchester Britain - September 8 2022 Real Sociedads Umar Sadiq reacts REUTERSCraig BroughFile Photo

Soccer Football - Europa League - Group E - Manchester United v Real Sociedad - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - September 8, 2022 Real Sociedad's Umar Sadiq reacts REUTERS/Craig Brough/File Photo

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Nigeria have been dealt a further injury blow ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations finals after striker Umar Sadiq was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee problem and replaced by Paul Onuachu, officials confirmed on Friday.

Nigeria have already lost forward Victor Boniface and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi due to injury, while striker Kelechi Iheanacho has had a muscle problem and is expected to arrive in the Ivory Coast on Saturday.

Real Sociedad striker Sadiq had been a doubt for some time with his knee injury, but was officially ruled out two days before Nigeria open their tournament against Equatorial Guinea in Abidjan on Sunday.

Onuachu, 29, has spent this season on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor from Southampton, where he has scored nine league goals in 15 starts. He last played for Nigeria in March 2023.

Nigeria will also face hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau in Group A.

(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Toby Davis)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read


Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a member? Log In