'They're losing' - Real Sociedad boss blasts Eguavoen for fielding injured Sadiq against Rwanda

Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil, has criticized Nigeria's interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, for playing injured forward Sadiq Umar in a dead-rubber 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda on November 18.

Alguacil also revealed that Sadiq was not fully fit when he returned to Real Sociedad after the international break.

The former Almeria striker was named in Nigeria's squad for their final round of qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Republic of Benin and Rwanda. 

His inclusion was questioned by many, who felt that other in-form strikers should have been chosen instead.

Sadiq did not play against Republic of Benin as the Super Eagles came from behind to salvage a point in Abidjan courtesy of a late second half header from Victor Osimhen, but he was brought on for the last five minutes of the game against Rwanda, despite being injured.

According to the Spanish gaffer, the 27-year-old hurt his hamstring two days before the Rwanda game, but Eguavoen still decided to play him, further aggravating the injury. 

Alguacil opted to leave the striker out of the squad for the Copa del Rey encounter with Jove Español on November 21 due to concerns about his fitness. 

"Well, you know that there are times when I don't tell you things because I understand that you don't have to know everything, but since you ask me I'll answer. It's very simple., " Alguacil was quoted as saying by Futbol Fantasy at the pre-match conference for the Europa League game against Ajax.

"He, in his last game with the national team, only plays five minutes because two days before he hurt his hamstring. He plays that game because the coach understands that they are losing, knowing that he has discomfort.

"When he gets here I tell him that he's called up and that he's going to play in the Copa match and he tells me that he's not available and he doesn't train for the next two days.

"So, on Saturday he trains and tells me that he's available for the derby. So, I take him but knowing that, for me, he's not completely available and I take him out to warm up,... but more so that he can be more a part of the training than thinking about taking him out."

Sadiq was recalled to the national team for the first time since the international friendly games against Ghana and Mali.

He hasn't also been very potent at club level, as he has only managed an assist in eight appearances in all competitions for Real Sociedad this season.

Ejim Kaycee

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