Umar Sadiq: Valencia striker backed for Super Eagles return

Former Super Eagles forward Garba Lawal has given his assessment of Umar Sadiq’s recent performances for Valencia, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian striker made headlines in Spain last weekend after scoring the winner in Valencia’s 2-1 victory over Girona in La Liga, marking the second consecutive game in which he has found the net.

Sadiq has now scored five goals across all competitions for Valencia since rejoining the club in January and his recent form in front of goal will give him confidence heading into the final stretch of the campaign, as he looks to help the club secure their top-flight status.

Although he has made 12 appearances for the Super Eagles since making his debut in 2022, his last outing came during the qualifiers for the last African Cup of Nations. 

He has not received a call-up in nearly two years and was also overlooked by head coach Eric Chelle for the main tournament in Morocco, where Nigeria went on to claim a record ninth bronze medal.

Garba Lawal backs Umar Sadiq for Super Eagles recall

The Super Eagles are set to compete in the Unity Cup next month as they aim to defend the title they won in 2025 and head coach Chelle has already hinted at giving fringe and new players a chance to impress.

In an interview with Footy-Africa, 1996 Olympic gold medalist Garba Lawal revealed that he has been impressed with Sadiq’s recent performances for Valencia and believes the striker deserves a return to the national team as a result.

“It’s fantastic to see him back amongst the goals. As a striker, when you aren’t scoring, you are angry with yourself—even if the team wins. That is the nature of the job. The club brings you in to find the back of the net, and if you aren’t doing that, it weighs on you”, Lawal said.

“I think he should be there. Of course, I am not the coach—if I were, I would put him in the team! But I would love to see him back in the green and white anytime, any day. A striker in that kind of form is an asset to any national team.”

Sadiq rejoined Valencia for a second spell, this time on a permanent deal, during the January transfer window after struggling for consistency at Real Sociedad.

Lawal believes that move has paid off, with the striker now rediscovering his confidence and form in front of goal.

“He had to leave because of Mikel Oyarzabal. Oyarzabal is a Spanish international, and he scores regularly. Even though he isn’t a natural striker, the coach used him there, and it’s very difficult to bench a player of that status”, Lawal shed light on Sadiq’s departure from Real Sociedad.

“Moving to Valencia was the right decision. He’s showing the same reputation he built earlier in his career. I am among those who believe he is a fantastic player. I always reach out to him.

“Even when he wasn’t scoring, I told him to stay calm and that the goals would come. At the moment, he is doing exceptionally well. Every striker needs that confidence, and you can see he has found it again at Valencia”, he concluded.

With just a few games left this season, Umar Sadiq will be focused on maintaining his recent scoring form as Valencia continue their battle against relegation to secure their place in the top flight next season.

A strong finish to the campaign could play a big role in his return to the Super Eagles setup, which could see him earn a recall ahead of the Unity Cup for the first time since 2024.