Following a reported row with interim Super Eagles coach George Finidi, fans have taken to social media platform, after the Real Sociedad forward was unused in the Eagles two friendlies against Ghana and Mali during the international break.
Last Friday, Nigeria defeated Ghana with 2-1 and then lost 2-0 to Mali on Tuesday in Marrakech, Morocco.
Regardless of the absence of these three key strikers, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi, Sadiq didn’t play a single minute from the both games.
The 27-year old stiker, felt disappointed as he declined a handshake from Finidi after the defeat to Mali, which made some fans, questioned his professionalism.
Sports blogger, PoojaMedia, wrote on X platform “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.”
However, Ajayi Samson, criticised Finidi for not paying 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.
