AS Roma have pulled Sadiq Umar out of the Nigerian squad that is scheduled to play an exhibition friendly against Atletico Madrid of Spain on Tuesday.
Umar, who spent last season on loan at NAC Breda of Holland, was originally in Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr’s plans for the World Cup, but lost out when the list was reduced to 30 players on Monday.
Umar will, therefore, not be part of the action when the Eagles will face Atletico Madrid in a friendly at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday, May 22.
The newly crowned Europa League champions, after claiming a dominant 3-0 display over French side Marseille in Lyon on Wednesday night, will now focus their attention on their friendly match in Uyo.
Atletico have been one of Europe’s most consistent teams in recent seasons, breaking Barcelona and Real Madrid’s stranglehold on LaLiga by claiming the title in 2013-14.
The match is being played under the umbrella of La Liga Foundation’s World Challenge programme, through which friendlies are organised between Spain’s top clubs and local teams.
The fixture will allow Nigerian fans to enjoy an array of some of the stars of the world’s best league up close, and watch one of its most iconic clubs.
La Liga ambassador, Mutiu Adepoju said: “The Atletico team that will come to play the Eagles will be the first team.
“They will get ready for the trip to Nigeria immediately after Wednesday night’s Europa League final clash with Marseille.
“Apart from anybody who may be injured or those who are World Cup bound with their countries, you can expect to see the full team with the technical staff led by Diego Simeone” he added.
