Umar had to step down from the squad due to an injury with Trabzonspor’s forward, Paul Onuachu, replacing him.

However, a video of Umar training individually in Spain after his return circulated on social media, leading to criticism of the NFF.

Responding to the situation, the NFF’s communication department in a statement released on Tuesday noted that Umar’s case was professionally handled by the medical team.

The statement clarified that Umar arrived at the camp in good condition, underwent standard medical assessments, and sustained a knee injury during a friendly match against Guinea.

Despite being advised to be substituted, Umar insisted on playing the entire match. Upon returning to Spain, he experienced swelling in his knee, worsening during the team’s travel to Abidjan for the tournament. The NFF stressed that their medical team followed appropriate procedures, consulting a knee surgeon in Spain before deciding to withdraw Umar from the squad.

The NFF stated, “Most of the reports we have seen are not a true representation of what happened. We have a very competent medical team who are well-trained in sport and exercise medicine and highly experienced and exposed to the most modern techniques and practices.”

Additionally, the NFF clarified that Umar actively participated in the decision-making process and initiated his rehabilitation with the Super Eagles’ physiotherapist before returning to his club in Spain.

The statement said, “The camp of Nigeria’s senior men’s football team, Super Eagles has decried reports in sections of the media that have continued to garnish the medical case of Spain-based forward Sadiq Umar with conspiracy theories, incorrect assumptions, and unbecoming insinuations.

“The camp has released a statement with regards to how the player was withdrawn from Nigeria’s squad for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire. We are surprised at the news trending on social media concerning Sadiq Umar and how he was withdrawn from the team camp.

”The fact is that our medical team meticulously abided by the best medical procedures and were diligent in their processes and conclusions before advising Head Coach José Peseiro that the player be withdrawn from the squad.

“The player, Sadiq Umar, was okay when he arrived at camp; he had to undergo the standard pre-competition medical assessment and he was good. He started to train with the team. Unfortunately, he copped an injury on the back of his left knee during our friendly match against Guinea in Abu Dhabi on 8th January, which led to a penalty against our opponents.

“The medical team advised that he be substituted, as a cautionary measure, but he said he was fine and could continue the game. At halftime, he reiterated that he was good to continue playing, and he played the entire 90 minutes.

“However, the following day, he woke up to see the knee swelling, and the medical team had to apply ice, which is the normal thing. The same day, we had to travel to Lagos, and on the 10th of January, flew to Abidjan. Then, the swelling became worse.

“They followed all due processes and protocol in tandem with the consultant knee surgeon that the player himself contacted in Spain before the decision was made in the interest of the nation and the career of the player.

“As much as the medical team has refused to join issues with anyone due to their professional patience and privacy policy, we will not allow anyone to rubbish our collective responsibility as Team Nigeria to this Africa Cup of Nations championship.

“We reiterate that the player was carried along throughout the process, and he started his rehabilitation with the team physiotherapist before he returned to his club in Spain.”