Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar scored his first La Liga brace for Valencia in their 3-3 draw against Osasuna at the Estadio El Sadar on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Sadiq got a rare start at Valencia for the game at Osasuna due to Hugo Duro’s fitness problems. The Spanish striker has been struggling to reach full fitness in the last two weeks, giving Sadiq an opportunity to stack up minutes.
The game surpassed all expectations as it turned out to be a goal-fest due to the poor defending from both sides.
Diego Lopez opened the scoring for Valencia after just 14 minutes, off an assist from Luis Rioja. But that lead did not last as Aimar Oroz canceled it with a strike in the 26th minute.
However, just six minutes later, Sadiq restored the lead. The Super Eagles striker showed his killer instinct in the box, as he got on the end of a square ball despite being sandwiched by two Osasuna defenders and sent a low finish into the net.
Unfortunately for Los Ches, their defence was leaky, and they conceded twice again in the first half, courtesy of goals from Aimar and Ante Budimir.
The second half did not see as much action as the first as Valencia were chasing the game. They had to wait until the 85th minute before they got their goal, which was another stroke of brilliance from Sadiq.
Sergi Canos set a low cross into the box, and despite having his back to goal, Sadiq got to it and flicked it slightly so it traveled to the far right corner of the net.
Umar Sadiq ⚽️ – Valencia
(4th Goal of the Season)#ValenciaCF #OsasunaValencia pic.twitter.com/I6j3MaYAHI— Goal Zone Center (@GoalZoneCenter) March 3, 2025
That effort was Sadiq’s first La Liga brace, and it ensured that the game ended 3-3 after 90 minutes.
Is Sadiq Umar back to his best?
Since he moved to Valencia, Sadiq has been playing with a lot of confidence. He has been playing the ball better, he has been trying new things, and he has been daring.
His second goal is indicative of a player who is confused in his ability and that is due to his new environment. Since joining Valencia, he has already scored four goals and that is a big positive.
Sadiq is also showing coach Carlos Corberan that he can be a reliable option or even the first choice. The 28-year-old striker just needs to carry on with the momentum.