Fans have taken to social media platform, X, to criticise Umar Sadiq following a reported row with interim Super Eagles coach George Finidi after the Real Sociedad forward was unused in the Eagles two friendlies against Ghana and Mali during the international break.
Nigeria beat bitter rivals Ghana 2-1 last Friday and then lost 2-0 to Mali on Tuesday in Marrakech, Morocco.
Sadiq didn’t play a single minute of both games, despite the absence of three key strikers, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi.
The disappointed striker reportedly declined a handshake from Finidi after the defeat to Mali, which irked some fans, who questioned the 27-year-old’s professionalism.
Sports blogger, PoojaMedia, wrote on X, “Not good news about Sadiq Umar coming from Super Eagles camp as it was reported that he refused to shake Finidi cos he didn’t have playing time during both friendlies.
“With what he pulled off during AFCON, he should be careful. He is a good player, but attitude matters.”
Other Nigerians have since been reacting to the post. An X user named Tessi advised the striker to apologise to the coach.
“That kind of behaviour from Sadiq Umar is unprofessional he should apologise and maintain a good and professional conduct when in the Super Eagles team,” he wrote.
Another user named Mayor of PH thinks Sadiq said the Spain-based player should be excluded from the Eagles.
“Sadiq Umar shouldn’t be called up to the Nigeria national team again, we have better strikers out there.”
Frank the Writer echoed similar sentiments and queried Sadiq’s initial invitation.
“Sadiq thinks he’s a god. He should know that without him, Nigeria has numerous strikers willing to play. He’s not that important and I wonder why he was invited in the first place. Dude should focus on his club.”
Another X user, @hashtagtweets also believes he should not have made the team, writing, “Shey dem even suppose dey call am? He’s not that good tbh. Make dem find raw talents.”
Ajayi Samson, however, criticised Finidi for not playing a player he called up.
“If you’re going to invite a player and not play him, that’s wrong. That’s why Ben White refused to go join the England team,” Samson wrote.
