Aliyu tips Sadiq Umar for Super Eagles recall after Valencia success

Super Eagles attacker Sadiq Umar scored six goals and provided one assist during his loan move from Real Sociedad to Valencia…

Former Nigerian international Abdulkadir Aliyu has backed striker Sadiq Umar to rediscover his form at Real Sociedad and force his way back into the Super Eagles set-up, Soccernet.ng reports.

Sadiq spent last season on loan at Valencia, where he impressed with a string of decisive performances, scoring six goals in 19 appearances.

His return to Sociedad has now been met with optimism, with Aliyu confident the 28-year-old can cement his place in the Basque side’s attack again.

Aliyu on Sadiq Umar's Super Eagles call-up

“I am very happy to see Sadiq get back into the Sociedad first team,” Aliyu told Footy-Africa. “He showed his quality at Valencia last season, and now that he is part of Sociedad’s plans, I believe he will do well. If he continues like this, he will definitely earn a recall to the Super Eagles.”

Can Sadiq Umar return to scoring form at Real Sociedad?

Aliyu, who represented Nigeria during his playing career, insists that setbacks are part of football.

“Sometimes as a footballer, these things happen, but you are not supposed to give up. It is important that as a player, you keep being patient and wait for your chance. When the chance comes, you take it with both hands, and I believe Sadiq will still score goals for Sociedad.”

The former midfielder also pointed to the striker’s past exploits at Almeria and hopes Sociedad’s coaching staff can trust his ability.

“Injuries have not been kind to him, but a fit Sadiq will also score goals, as he showed with Almeria a few years back. Also, I hope the coach can play to the player’s strength. If he can do that, the goals will flow from Sadiq. I am sure of that,” Aliyu concluded.

Sadiq, who has not played a minute for the Super Eagles since November 2024, will be hoping to convince national team manager Eric Chelle with consistent performances in La Liga this season, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.