In a significant blow to the Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming AFCON 2023, striker Sadiq Umar has been forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.

The setback leaves the Super Eagles without another key player, adding Sadiq to the list of absent forwards, which also includes Victor Boniface.

Umar Sadiq, 26, sustained the knee injury, and medical assessments indicate he will be sidelined for a minimum of three weeks.

In response to the unfortunate development, officials have confirmed that the forward will be returning to Spain to receive specialized medical attention from his club’s medical team.

As things stand, Victor Osimhen is the only fit central forward in the team, but Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu are are expected to join the squad, but will miss Nigeria’s opening game against Equatorial Guinea.