2023 AFCON: Our supporters must know we are back stronger – Sadiq

Umar Sadiq has said the Super Eagles must use this week’s 2023 AFCON qualifier to prove to Nigerian fans that they are back stronger, following the disappointment of not qualifying for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Eagles will take on Sierra Leone in their first match in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Abuja on Thursday.

This will be the team’s first competitive game since losing the World Cup ticket to Ghana in March.

For the players they have the chance to win back the trust of the fans with a convincing win against Sierra Leone.

And speaking on NFF TV, Sadiq said:”We are all getting ready for the game because after the World Cup qualifiers we looked at ourselves and told ourselves we have to be back stronger, we have to show that we are back stronger.”

Sadiq would have his first experience playing under new head coach Jose Peseiro.

And Almeria’s best player for last season hopes he and his teammates are able to impress the Portuguese handler.

“I had my first training with him, we did all the training with the ball and we are just trying to understand what he want and we all hope we can give him what he want.”

And commenting on Almeria’s promotion to La Liga:”For me playing in La Liga is like a dream come true. Finally we got the ticket and we can’t wait.”