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Super Eagles and Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar has expressed frustration over what he describes as unfair treatment from Nigerian fans whenever players represent the national team.
Sadiq, who was surprisingly included in Augustine Eguavoen’s squad for the just-concluded AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, faced heavy criticism from fans questioning his call-up.
The 27-year-old has struggled this season, with no goals and just one assist, while also battling limited playtime at Real Sociedad.
His addition to the Super Eagles squad raised eyebrows, with many fans openly wondering why he made the list.
Despite the backlash, Sadiq didn’t shy away from addressing the situation. Speaking to OmaSports TV, he didn’t hold back:
“If things continue like this, there are lots of players that will not like to play for the Super Eagles.
When we come to play here, it’s not about the money, it’s for the love, you understand. Where you feel is your home, they tell you it’s not.
When you go to Europe to play, you’re loved and supported there, but when you come to your country, your people begin to ask what you’re doing and who brought you, even telling you to return to Europe.
Back in the day, they always told us to be careful because they wouldn’t let us be ourselves in Europe, but now, it has nothing to do with the Europeans, we are the ones killing ourselves.
There are some of my teammates (Super Eagles) who are down after every game we play because the fans are killing them on social media.
Even if you don’t see comments, your name still gets mentioned.
Football these days is about mentality. If you’re not mentally tough, you cannot play football.”
Sadiq’s response to criticism extended to a social media exchange where he replied to a fan’s comment, a move some labeled as unprofessional.
In the AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, Sadiq was given just a minute of action, coming off the bench in Nigeria’s disappointing loss.
Despite the doubts surrounding his inclusion, the striker hopes to silence his critics and rediscover his form soon.
