Super Eagles striker, Umar Sadiq, claims that Nigerians have infected the Super Eagles team with tribalism. The Almeria professional attacker made the statement ahead of the upcoming two-legged World Cup qualifying play-offs between Nigeria and Ghana this March.
The Nigerian forwarder collected his fair share of the blame in Nigeria’s round of 16 loss to Tunisia in the just concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Almeria star said that most Nigerians support the Super Eagles based on their tribe.
The striker added that it is disheartening and should not be allowed to continue. In an emotional interview, Umar Sadiq said that his hard work saw him nets 4 goals at Olympics held in Brazil and this feat was not achieved through any crook way.
The super Eagles striker came from bench to feature against Egypt at the AFCON. His performance was not the best but he was given the opportunity to lead the attack against Equatorial Guinea. The Super Eagles striker scored in the game and also impressed as he came on against Tunisia despite missing some clear cut opportunities.
Umar Sadiq is part of the 25-man list to face Ghana in the playoffs as Super Eagles interim coach, Austine Eguavoen, has faith in the Almeria striker.
The emotional statement made by the Nigerian central forwarder reads thus:
“People say I am in the national team because I am from the north. I laugh because if I truly wanted to use my connections, I would have been in the national team long ago. I scored four goals at the Olympics in Brazil. That is not a connection. I worked.
“I am sad that Nigerians have turned the national team to tribal war. People support players based on their tribe. It breaks my heart. Even you guys, the media, have caused a lot of problems. When you like a player you praise him over the others. It’s not good.
“This is why I do not like anything media. Nigerians also believe playing for bigger clubs must play ahead of others, but it’s not about the club but what you bring to the team,” Sadiq told Omasports.
