In a recent development, Sadiq Umar, a prominent striker for the Super Eagles, has unfortunately been ruled out of the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations. The news comes following his knee injury sustained during Nigeria’s recent friendly match against the Syli Stars of Guinea, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. As a result, the talented 26-year-old player will not be able to participate in the highly anticipated competition, set to commence tomorrow, January 13, in Ivory Coast.
The setback for the Nigerian team doesn’t end there, as they had previously lost another striker, Victor Boniface, who was also ruled out of the tournament due to injury. These injuries have undoubtedly posed challenges for the Super Eagles’ preparations and have left the team seeking suitable replacements.
However, the Super Eagles have swiftly taken action to address the situation. In an official statement released on Friday via the Super Eagles’ verified social media account, it was announced that Paul Onuachu would step in to replace Sadiq Umar in the squad for AFCON 2023. Onuachu, who is no stranger to the African Cup of Nations, having been part of the Nigerian team during the 2019 finals in Egypt, missed out on the previous competition held in Cameroon due to an unfortunate injury.
With these changes in their lineup, the Super Eagles are determined to overcome the obstacles posed by the injuries and exhibit their readiness to compete at the highest level in the AFCON 2023. The team’s resilience and adaptability will undoubtedly be put to the test as they aim to secure victory in the prestigious tournament.