Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar is set to get more playing time at Real Sociedad, as the club has confirmed that first-choice striker Mikel Oyarzabal has suffered a hamstring injury, Soccernet.ng reports.
Sadiq has played a peripheral role at Real Sociedad this season, despite his impressive display during the second half of last season on loan at Valencia.
After contributing six goals in 19 appearances for Los Che, it was widely believed that he would sign a permanent deal, especially since he was no longer considered a key member of the setup at Real Sociedad. However, he eventually had to remain in San Sebastián.
This season, the 28-year-old striker has been limited to just three appearances in the Spanish top flight, all of which have come off the bench.
Last month, Real Sociedad coach Sergio Francisco said he would give Sadiq more minutes, but his situation has not improved much since then.
Has Sadiq Umar’s Breakthrough Arrived?
On Thursday evening, Real Sociedad confirmed that their first-choice striker Mikel Oyarzabal had sustained a muscle injury which would keep him sidelined for a while.
While this is bad news for Real Sociedad—as the Spanish striker has contributed five goals and three assists in 13 La Liga appearances this season—it is undoubtedly good news for Sadiq Umar.
Second-choice striker Orri Oskarsson suffered a thigh injury some weeks ago, and with Oyarzabal now also out, Sadiq’s minutes will definitely increase significantly.
Coach Francisco likes to play with one out-and-out striker, and Sadiq is the only senior striker who is currently fit. Therefore, he will likely get the nod ahead of academy graduate Jon Karrikaburu.
Will This Be Sadiq’s Launchpad to AFCON 2025?
This development could be Sadiq’s launchpad into the Super Eagles’ 2025 AFCON squad.
As it stands, the slots for strikers in the Super Eagles squad are relatively open. The only Nigerian strikers consistently firing in a top European league are Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu.
However, if Sadiq Umar hits form during this period, he can improve his chances of making the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next month.
The former Almería man is good with his feet, possesses a powerful shot, and has a knack for scoring spectacular goals. He would provide a solid option alongside Osimhen in the final third.
Sadiq has a short window of around four to five games to impress if he wants to secure an AFCON slot.