Nigerian footballer Sadiq Umar has taken to his Instagram story to respond to fans who heavily criticized him via direct messages, despite his absence in the AFCON finals. The footballer clarified that he had to be benched due to a Meniscus injury sustained during a friendly match with Guinea, forcing him to leave the AFCON and return to his home club.

Initially believed to be a significant injury, another diagnosis revealed it was a minor swell, allowing Umar to continue his career with his home club. Despite the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal from the tournament, fans directed criticism towards him after Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the AFCON finals, with other players, including Iwobi, facing the brunt of discontent.
In response to the provocative messages received, Sadiq Umar chose to address the situation via his Instagram story. While the content of his response is not detailed, it appears to be an effort to clarify his situation and perhaps urge fans to consider the challenges players face, including injuries, during high-stakes tournaments.
In the incident, Sadiq sheds light on the pressures and criticisms faced by athletes in the age of social media, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexities of sports and supporting players through both victories and setbacks. As the footballer navigates through this period, his Instagram story serves as a platform for communication and transparency with his followers.

He wrote;
“I no even play you con dey insult me
Abeg oo
Me I no be iwobi I go Insult person papa with him mama join
Yes I be dat typical Hausa boy Abi u see fear for my eyes
Pushing someone into depression & mental breakdown.
Yet you want life to be better for you, e no fit ever better for una!
Vagabonds! !!!”
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