Umar Sadiq Super Eagles retirement talk: Why Eric Chelle may never recall Valencia striker

Umar Sadiq’s future with the Super Eagles has come under fresh scrutiny after the Valencia striker admitted he is considering retiring from international football at the age of 29, Afrik-Foot reports.

The former Almeria forward revealed that he has not yet made a final decision, but plans to use the summer break and the opening weeks of the new European season to determine whether he will continue making himself available for Nigeria.

Sadiq made the revelation during an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa, where he spoke openly about his absence from recent Super Eagles squads under head coach Eric Chelle.

“I am thinking of retiring from the Nigerian national team, but I will make the final decision when the new season begins,” he said.

The striker’s comments come just months after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a disappointing outcome that triggered criticism from supporters and forced the national team to begin another rebuilding process.

While Sadiq stopped short of blaming any individual for the setback, his remarks suggested that repeated omissions from the national team have left him questioning whether he still has a future in the squad.

Umar Sadiq: What’s his place in Chelle’s plans?

One of the biggest factors behind Sadiq’s doubts is his lack of involvement under Eric Chelle. The Valencia attacker acknowledged that the coach may simply prefer other options, especially given the depth available to Nigeria in attack. While Umar Sadiq has impressed for Valencia, he has struggled for the Super Eagles, netting once in 12 appearances.

“I was not called up. Maybe my profile is not the type they need, and there are other players doing well in the team because, as you know, Nigeria is blessed with abundant talent,” he said.

That statement is a pointer to the reality of the current Super Eagles attack. Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s leading striker, while players such as Paul Onuachu, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi and Akor Adams have all strengthened their cases for selection in recent months.

Each of those forwards offers a clearly defined tactical profile. Osimhen brings relentless pressing and elite finishing, Onuachu provides a dominant aerial presence, Arokodare offers strong link-up play, while Adams has impressed with his movement and physical intensity.

Sadiq, despite standing at 1.92 metres, often prefers drifting into wider areas and carrying the ball over long distances rather than operating as a traditional penalty-box striker. That style has made him a unique player, but it may not fit perfectly into Chelle’s preferred system.

Retirement could arrive before AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Sadiq also admitted that career longevity is influencing his thinking. After battling serious injuries recently in his career and working hard to rebuild his form in Spain, the striker is now considering whether focusing exclusively on club football could help him extend his playing years.

“There is still time for me to make the final decision on that. That is why I said I will wait for the new season to start before I decide, so I can think about what will help me focus on my career and last in football like Cristiano Ronaldo.”

The timing of that decision is significant. Nigeria’s preparations for the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign will gather pace shortly after the new European season begins, meaning Sadiq’s verdict could arrive around the time Chelle names his next competitive squad.

At the moment, though, the Valencia forward insists no final decision has been made. However, with competition for places increasing and Chelle appearing committed to a new attacking direction, questions remain over whether the striker still has a realistic path back into the Super Eagles setup.

Unless injuries to key players or a dramatic change in form alter the current picture, Sadiq’s next announcement could determine whether his Nigeria career continues or quietly comes to an end after years of fluctuating fortunes with the national team.