“The best is yet to come” – Super Eagles striker’s first words after season-ending injury

The Nigeria international is condemned to the sidelines until 2023 following a disappointing start to his time in the Spanish top flight

Super Eagles and Real Sociedad forward Umar Sadiq has vowed to return stronger and better from the injury that has halted his season.

Sadiq only joined Real Sociedad on transfer deadline day after completing a club-record move from fellow Spanish side Almeria.

But ten days and three games into his time at the St Sebastian club, Sadiq suffered terrible damage to the cruciate ligament in his right knee.

The former AS Roma star has since had surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the 2022-23 campaign.

Get-well-soon messages have flown from all quarters – including from 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner Mutiu Adepoju – in the direction of the Nigeria international.

In his first words since crumbling in pain in the match against Getafe, Sadiq has expressed his gratitude to fans and colleagues for their support during his trying times.

The 25-year-old former Partizan ace is also firm in his belief that his supporters will see the best of him when he returns to competitive football.

Sadiq wrote on Instagram: “Every day is a blessing and an opportunity, and I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for the love and care you have shown me, for me it is just time to rest a bit and come back stronger. The best is yet to come.”

2019 Africa Cup of Nations top goalscorer Odion Ighalo is among the well-wishers who responded to Sadiq's post.

The former Manchester United loanee's comment reads, “Tough times don’t last but tough people do. Come back strong, bro.”

Sadiq scored on his debut for Real Sociedad, netting the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid.

The Nigerian forward was also involved as La Real defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the Europa League, the club's first-ever victory over English Premier League opposition.

Before joining Real Sociedad, Sadiq had two goals in three La Liga games for Almeria.