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Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has blasted Augustine Eguavoen for using injured attacker Sadiq Umar during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
Sadiq was called up to the Super Eagles for the last two qualifying matches against Rwanda and Benin Republic.
The forward came in as a substitute in the 2-1 loss against Rwanda as the Super Eagles ended their qualifying series with a defeat.
However, his performance has been called into question, having lost his blistering form of last season.
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Alguacil faults Eguavoen
After the international break, Alguacil disclosed that Sadiq was not completely well when he rejoined Real Sociedad.
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Alguacil told Futbol Fantasy, "Well, you know that there are times when I don't tell you things because I understand that you don't have to know everything, but since you ask me I'll answer. It's very simple.
"He, in his last game with the national team, only plays five minutes because two days before he hurt his hamstring. He plays that game because the coach understands that they are losing, knowing that he has discomfort.
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"When he gets here I tell him that he's called up and that he's going to play in the Copa match and he tells me that he's not available and he doesn't train for the next two days.
"So, on Saturday he trains and tells me that he's available for the derby. So, I take him but knowing that, for me, he's not completely available and I take him out to warm up,... but more so that he can be more a part of the training than thinking about taking him out."
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The Spanish coach claims that even though the 27-year-old injured his hamstring two days prior to the Rwanda match, Eguavoen chose to play him, which made the condition worse.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles star has begged his manager for more game time after seeing a reduced minute this season.
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