Super Eagles Star Umar Sadiq Blasts Online Trolls After AFCON Loss
LAGOS, Nigeria – Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq has lashed out at Nigerians who insulted him and his teammates following their defeat to Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Sadiq, who plays for Spanish club Almeria, said he was not afraid to confront anyone who disrespected him on social media. He also defended his fellow forward Alex Iwobi, who deactivated his accounts after receiving abusive messages from angry fans.
In a post on his Instagram stories, Sadiq wrote: “I no even play you con dey insult me. Abeg oo me i no be Iwobi, I go insult person papa with him mama join. Yes I be dat typical Hausa boy abi u see fear for my eyes.
“Pushing someone into depression and mental breakdown. Yet you want life to be better for you. e no fit ever better for una!”
Sadiq’s outburst came after the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to the Elephants in a thrilling final at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday. Ivory Coast scored twice in the second half through Nicolas Pepe and Wilfried Zaha, while Nigeria’s consolation goal came from Kelechi Iheanacho.
The loss ended Nigeria’s hopes of winning their fourth AFCON title, and their first since 2013. It also sparked a wave of criticism and backlash from some fans, who blamed the players and the coach Gernot Rohr for the disappointing performance.
Sadiq, who scored three goals in the tournament, said he was proud of his team and urged the fans to support them instead of attacking them.
“We tried our best to make our country proud, but it was not our day. We are sorry for letting you down, but we are also human beings who have feelings. Please don’t make us feel worse than we already do. We need your love and encouragement, not your hate and insults,” he said.
