Sadiq Umar is proving to Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle that he deserves to be named in the Nigeria squad for the upcoming international matches, with the Valencia striker scoring his third goal in his last four La Liga games on Sunday. 

The forward has yet to feature for the national team since Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles, although he was named among the substitutes in consecutive World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March 2025 without making an appearance.

He continued his impressive resurgence at Valencia by scoring the decisive goal in their crucial 1-0 away victory against Athletic Club on Sunday.

The Nigerian striker started the encounter on the bench and was introduced in the second half, replacing Hugo Duro with 20 minutes left to play. 

The substitution proved decisive almost immediately as Sadiq found the breakthrough just two minutes after coming on, heading home from a swift counter-attacking move to hand Valencia a vital three points at San Mamés.

Sadiq has now scored in three of Valencia's last four league matches, finding the net against RCD Mallorca, Girona FC and Athletic Club.

Prior to his recent scoring streak, the former UD Almería star had endured a frustrating spell in front of goal, failing to score in seven consecutive matches against Villarreal CF, CA Osasuna, Deportivo Alavés, Real Oviedo, Sevilla, Celta de Vigo and Elche CF.

Overall, Sadiq has registered four goals and three assists in 17 league appearances since arriving at the Mestalla Stadium. 

His resurgence has played a key role in Valencia’s climb away from the relegation zone, with the club now edging closer to securing their La Liga status for another season.

Valencia currently sit 12th in the league standings with 42 points from 35 matches.

Adeyemi Adewale