Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has criticized Nigeria’s interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, for fielding injured striker Sadiq Umar in a dead-rubber 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda.
- Alguacil expressed disappointment with Eguavoen’s decision, labeling it a reckless move that aggravated Sadiq’s injury.
- He revealed that Sadiq had hurt his hamstring two days before the match, yet Eguavoen still decided to play him.- Alguacil questioned Eguavoen’s judgment, suggesting he prioritized winning over player welfare.
- “They’re losing,” Alguacil remarked in a post-match conference, emphasizing that Sadiq’s discomfort should have been a red flag.
- Alguacil’s comments underscore the ongoing tension between club managers and national team coaches, who often have conflicting priorities.
- Sadiq’s injury raises concerns about his availability for Real Sociedad’s upcoming matches, with Alguacil already ruling him out of the Copa del Rey encounter against Jove Español.
