Umar Sadiq sets new Valencia record in Copa del Rey loss to Athletic Bilbao

Nigeria’s Umar Sadiq carved his name into Valencia’s long and storied history as the club stumbled to an agonising 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night, Afrik-Foot reports.

On a night of high drama at the Mestalla, Sadiq rewrote the record books after scoring at both ends of the pitch for Bilbao in the 26th minute and for Valencia ten minutes later.

The Super Eagles striker becomes the first ever Valencia player to score both for and against the club in a single Spanish competition match.

Mixed emotions for Jololo

Nigerian striker, Sadiq Umar becomes the first player in Valencia’s history to score a goal and an own goal in the same match across the entire history of Spanish tournaments.
It happened tonight against Athletic Bilbao. pic.twitter.com/pDn0rPkyP1

— Ribs Media (@RibsMedia) February 4, 2026

Umar Sadiq is also the first LaLiga player to score a goal and an own goal in a Copa del Rey match since Verza for Almería against Getafe in January 2015.

Sadiq’s unusual record-setting evening began in unfortunate fashion when he attempted to deal with a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area midway through the first half. Under pressure, the striker could only glance the ball past his own goalkeeper, handing Athletic Bilbao an early advantage.

But the 27-year-old responded in the manner of a seasoned forward. Ten minutes later, he pounced on a costly error from Bilbao goalkeeper Alex Padilla, reacting quickest to roll the ball into an unguarded net and restore parity for Valencia.

The goal not only brought the home crowd back to life but also confirmed Sadiq’s place in club folklore: a record that had never been achieved across Valencia’s entire involvement in Spanish tournaments.

Late heartbreak for Umar Sadiq and Valencia

As the contest moved towards extra time, Valencia appeared to have regained control, driven by Sadiq’s physical presence and growing confidence in attack.However, Athletic Bilbao had the final say.

Six minutes into added time, Ghanaian international Iñaki Williams broke Valencia hearts with a decisive strike, sealing a dramatic late victory and knocking the hosts out of the Copa del Rey.

Despite the painful exit, Sadiq’s form continues to offer encouragement for Valencia. The equaliser marked his second Copa del Rey goal since returning to the club during the winter transfer window, following his earlier strike in the 2–0 win over Burgos CF that booked their place in this stage of the competition.

After a difficult opening to the season with Real Sociedad, the Super Eagles forward appears to be rediscovering the sharpness that made him such a key figure during his previous loan spell at the Mestalla.

With La Liga battles ahead, including a high-profile clash against Real Madrid, Valencia will be hoping Sadiq’s goals, and growing confidence, can help drive their push for safety in Spain’s top flight.