“I do not see it as a competiton”- Real Sociedad attacker Umar Sadiq on Napoli’s Victor Osimhen

Umar Sadiq has made 7 appearances for the Super Eagles and has one goal to his credit

Real Sociedad forward, Umar Sadiq, has said that Victor Osimhen, a hotshot for Napoli, is not an uphill battle for him in the Super Eagles squad.

The two Nigerian forwards, who have combined to make 30 appearances and score 16 goals for the National team, are both currently playing in the same position for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The former AS Roma player expressed his appreciation for his place in the team but pointed out that it’s more about playing and winning games as a team than it is about vying for a spot on the team.

For Augustine Eguavoen’s team against Guinea-Bissau in the most recent Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, the 26-year-old was a key player.

In Osimhen’s absence due to a cheekbone injury that held him out of numerous games for both clubs and nation, the 1,91 m tall striker scored his first goal against the African Wild Dogs to give Eguavoen’s men all nine points in the Group D encounter, sending them to the Round of 16.

TThe Nigerian striker, who under Jose Peseiro was still anticipated to replace Osimhen, emerged as a serious question mark for the Super Eagles’ friendly against Algeria after suffering an injury during his team’s La Liga encounter against Getafe.

In a conversation with The Hindsight Podcast, Sadiq discussed replacing Osimhen in the team and indicated that he is fine with whoever starts at centre forward for the nation.

“You know, firstly, it’s always a pleasure playing for you to represent your country and with Victor [Osimhen], I would say I do not see it as a competition. We are all going there to serve the nation. The country deserves the best.

“To be honest, whether I play or Victor plays, I am good with that. If you don’t win with someone, you have to join him to win, you know? Or you win with us, or you see us winning. So the best thing it to join him [Victor Osimhen] to win together. So there’s no jealousy.” he said.

The former UD Almera striker, who has previously declared his desire to team up with Osimhen, hasn’t played since September and is thus unlikely to appear in the Super Eagles’ last AFCON qualifier matches against Sierra Leone, and São Tomé and Príncipe.