The Super Eagles may have qualified for AFCON 2025 as Group D winners, but a year-ending defeat to Rwanda saw Umar Sadiq call out fans for their harsh treatment of players.
Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq has raised concerns about the damaging effects of extreme online criticism from Nigerian fans, cautioning that it could discourage players from representing the national team.
In an interview with Oma Sports TV, Sadiq, who was a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the final 2025 AFCON qualifiers, opened up about the toxic atmosphere players face and its effects on them.
“If things continue like this, there are lots of players that will not like to play for the Super Eagles,’’ the Real Sociedad striker said.
“When we come to play here, it’s not about the money, it’s for the love, you understand. Where you feel is your home, they tell you it’s not.
“When you go to Europe to play, you’re loved and supported there, but when you come to your country, your people ask what you’re doing and who brought you, even telling you to return to Europe,” he said.
Sadiq also compared the current situation to the past, saying, “We were warned about Europeans treating us poorly, but now we’re the ones holding ourselves back.
“Some of my teammates feel broken after games because of what fans say online. Even if you don’t see the comments, the negativity still reaches you.
“Football is as much about mental strength as physical skill. If you’re not mentally tough, you can’t play.”
Sadiq’s comment trails Nigeria’s disappointing end to 2024, after suffering a 2-1 loss to Rwanda in Uyo in their final AFCON 2025 qualifier on Monday, November 18.
The three-time African champions will be in action in March 2025 where they’ll continue their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against the Amavubi.
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