Sadiq Umar: Super Eagles striker sends strong message to Eric Chelle ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar scored the winner for Valencia in their 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid at Estadio de Mestalla on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Sadiq has been in fine form for Valencia since joining from Real Sociedad in the January transfer window. The Super Eagles striker had to join Los Ches due to his lack of game time at Sociedad.

Sadiq started his first few games from the bench, but he has become a regular starter in the last three weeks due to Hugo Duro’s injury struggles. The Super Eagles star has taken the opportunity with both hands, as he has been scoring goals for fun.

Sadiq scored for Valencia against Villarreal in mid-February. Then he hit a brace last last week in Osasuna.

The former Almeria man carried his hot form into the game against Valladolid. After Diego Lopez gave Valencia the lead in the 7th minute, Juanmi Latasa scored the equalizer for Real Valladolid in the 40th minute.

Then, in the 58th minute, Sadiq scored to make it 2-1. That was all Valencia needed to claim the 2-1 win at the Mestalla. That result dragged Valencia out of the relegation zone.

Sadiq Umar proving a point in Spain and Nigeria

Sadiq Umar was named in coach Eric Chelle’s 39-man list for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.

However, his inclusion raised some eyebrows following his form since the start of the season. Also, he has had some poor performances for Nigeria.

But now, Sadiq is proving that he deserves another chance in Nigeria’s squad. Currently, aside from Cyriel Dessers, no other Nigerian striker is in form.

Victor Boniface has been struggling at Bayer Leverkusen for the past month. Moreover, he has failed to score for Nigeria despite multiple tries.

Chelle will release his final 23-man before the qualifiers, and Sadiq deserves a place in the squad.