Nigeria international Umar Sadiq continued his fine run of form on Saturday, coming off the bench to score a vital equaliser in Valencia’s 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, Footynaija.com reports.
The 28-year-old striker, currently on loan from Real Sociedad, netted his fifth league goal for Los Che since joining the club in January, further underlining his growing influence at the Mestalla.
Valencia had fallen behind in unfortunate fashion after César Tárrega turned the ball into his own net, handing Rayo the lead. With the hosts looking to take full control of the game, manager Carlos Corberán turned to Sadiq in the 66th minute, bringing him on for Portuguese midfielder André Almeida.
✨ Umar Sadiq (28) has 5 La Liga goals for Valencia since signing on loan for them in January. ✅
Today he was substituted on in the 66th minute, then scored an equaliser in the 75th minute.
He’s their 3rd highest goalscorer in the league this season. Important impact. pic.twitter.com/yKbgDzcUse
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 19, 2025
The decision paid off swiftly. Just nine minutes after his introduction, Sadiq made an immediate impact — meeting a low cross in the box and coolly slotting past Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla to level the score.
It’s the third time the Nigerian has rescued a result for Valencia this season, having previously struck late goals against Villarreal and Osasuna, and scoring the winner in a 2-1 triumph over Real Valladolid.
His resurgence has not gone unnoticed at international level. Although he didn’t feature in Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Sadiq’s form earned him a place in the Super Eagles squad.
He will now have his sights set on June’s Unity Cup tournament in London, where he’ll hope to impress new Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle and boost his chances of featuring when the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in September.
Sadiq’s turnaround in form offers a timely boost for both club and country — a reminder of the quality he possesses when fit and firing.