Why has Sadiq Umar been recalled by the Super Eagles?

By merit or by god-fatherism?

That was the first question that came to my mind as I fed my eyes with the latest Super Eagles squad list released by coach Augustine Eguavoen.

Particularly bewildered by the decision to call up misfiring Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar, I thought, are we really serious?

The Super Eagles squad released for the AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda witnessed major returnees like talismanic goal poacher Victor Osimhen and Fernabahce’s Bright Osayi Samuel, who missed out for the Libya doubleheader in the last international window due to injuries, and Sadiq Umar who has been in poor form for his clubside.

Former Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho was also handed his second EVER call-up to the Super Eagles, as he failed to honour his previous invite due to injury.

Chidera Ejuke could not make the cut as he suffered a long-term injury in his side’s thrashing at FC Barcelona.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was a major absentee from the squad as a result of his limited playing time in his clubside and struggles to impress in a green-white-green shirt.

So, any reason for Sadiq Umar?

Logically, there is no justification for the inclusion of the Sociedad front man, as he has only found the back of the net FOUR times in 38 games for the Spanish side, between 2022 and the ongoing 2024/2025 season.

This season, Sadiq Umar has failed to score in ALL his appearances for Real Sociedad this season in EIGHT appearances across all competitions, which means he has failed in his designated function, as a striker.

Another attacker in poor form for his clubside is Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Sevilla new signing has failed to make an impact for his new side, as there have been no goals for him in the La Liga.

However, Iheanacho has netted just twice since making his debut in Spain, against FIFTH-tier side Las Rozas FC in the Spanish Copa Del Rey.

So, why then the call-up?

There are fantastic in-form strikers, more deserving than Sadiq and Iheanacho who ought to be invited by the Super Eagles.

As a footballing nation, there has never been shortage of strikers in all the generations.

In the Belgian Jupiler League, Tolu Arokodare is a name on the lips of many as he keeps proving himself constantly.

Tolu has scored EIGHT goals and created two assists for Genk this season, in just 13 games, making him the joint top scorer in the current campaign.

In Scotland, the “always-snubbed” Cyriel Dessers has also been impressive, scoring EIGHT times and also creating two assists this season.

Chuba Akpom is another attacker in form, as he has already netted six times and created one goal for Ajax.

He was also ignored.

All these three players are reasonable and logically better choices than a misfiring Sadiq Umar and Kelechi Iheanacho, but all were ignored.

This then brings the question – is the Super Eagles based on merit or “god-fatherism”?

By Aboluwade God’s Treasure AGT