Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has reacted to Valencia’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Athletic Club in La Liga on Sunday, Afrik-Foot reports.
Sadiq made the decisive contribution in the encounter, scoring the only goal of the game to move Los Che closer five points above the relegation zone and closer to safety with just three matches left to play.
Valencia came into the clash on the back of a disappointing defeat to Atletico Madrid in their previous outing and desperately needed a positive result to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation battle heading into the closing weeks of the season.
Both sides created early opportunities to break the deadlock, but the best chance fell to Hugo Duro after Valencia were awarded a penalty for a handball inside the box. However, the striker’s effort crashed against the crossbar.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 72nd minute when Sadiq got ahead of Athletic Club defender Dani Vivian to head home a cross from Luis Rioja, sealing a crucial victory for Valencia and taking them a step closer to survival.
Umar Sadiq: Super Eagles star hails Valencia’s team spirit
Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq started the match on the bench as head coach Carlos Corberán continued to rotate him and Hugo Duro in the centre-forward role. However, he proved his importance to the team once again, scoring just two minutes after coming on to hand Valencia a massive win in their fight against relegation.
Reacting after the game, the former Real Sociedad striker praised the unity within the squad as Valencia secured their 11th league win of the season.
“These are three very important points for the team. We have to keep going like this”, the 29-year-old said via Valencia’s official website.
“It was the first ball I touched, but the most important thing is the team, that we work together. Winning here is very important, at a tough stadium. We all knew that. We’re very happy.”
Valencia will next face Rayo Vallecano at the Mestalla on Thursday, where a victory would officially secure their La Liga status for another season and Sadiq believes the team will continue to fight until their survival is confirmed.
“Now we’re going to play at Mestalla. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy today, but we always try to give our best.”
Unity Cup watch: Will Eric Chelle hand Sadiq a Super Eagles recall?
Nigeria are set to defend their Unity Cup title in London later this month and head coach Eric Chelle has already hinted that fringe players could be given opportunities.
That decision could open the door for a recall for Umar Sadiq, whose last invitation to the Super Eagles came during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The striker’s recent form for Valencia, with three goals in his last four appearances, has certainly strengthened his case for a return to the national team setup and he could now be handed another opportunity at the tournament.
For now, the Valencia striker will remain focused on continuing his goalscoring form and helping his club secure survival at the end of the season.
