Umar Sadiq: Why Valencia star is considering retirement after twelve Super Eagles caps

Super Eagles and Valencia striker Umar Sadiq is considering bringing his career with the Nigerian National team to an end, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old made his name during the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil, where he scored four goals in six games, winning the bronze medal alongside John Obi Mikel.

His club career went through ebbs and flows before he eventually found his feet with second-tier Spanish side Almeria, scoring 43 goals in 84 games for the Cowboys.

After the Olympic campaign, it took six years for Sadiq to get his first appearance for the Super Eagles, but he’s been a bit-part player since then.

Now, after just 12 caps for the Green and Whites, the Valencia striker has opened the door to an early retirement from the national team, a decision that would bring a frustrating chapter to an abrupt end.

What Umar Sadiq said about his Super Eagles future

His admission, made to Radio France International Hausa, comes with the looming pain of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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

The former Rangers striker has been called up to the National team just once since Eric Chelle took over as the Super Eagles coach in January 2025, and even at that, he’s refused to play under the National team.

That decision, alongside the painful reality of seeing other strikers get maiden appearances, made the Kaduna-born forward feel ‘unwanted’.

“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.

“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 one-time Copa del Rey winner concluded.

Has Umar Sadiq been phased out of the Super Eagles?

Nigeria’s attack has changed dramatically in the last 18 months. Chelle has changed the team from a side wholly dependent on Victor Osimhen in attack to a side that can thrive without the Galatasaray striker.

While Osimhen is still a very important player, other strikers like Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, and Akor Adams have had good runs, while players like Rafiu Durosinmi and Tolu Arokodare are also pushing.

On the outside, household names like Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi are still waiting on a chance to prove they’re worthy of putting on the Super Eagles jersey again.

In that sense, Sadiq’s profile has become harder to justify. Chelle prefers players who can press from the front foot, and the former Real Sociedad striker’s best attributes come with him on the ball.

He’s not quite as physically imposing as Paul Onuachu, not a battering ram like Victor Osimhen, and can’t play out wide when needed like Akor Adams.

That difference is what has seen him limited to just 309 minutes of International football since making his debut in 2022.

While retirement may seem like a big decision to make at this stage of his career, wanting to play longer at the club level remains an important factor for any footballer, and Sadiq seems to want to focus on that.

Ultimately, the choice hasn’t been made yet, but it might not make a difference as he currently has very little hopes of getting another call-up in the near future.