Umar Sadiq draws praise from Real Sociedad manager despite limited playing time

Super Eagles and Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar has drawn praise from his club coach, Sergio Francisco, for his performance against Elche on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old has struggled for playing time this season, playing just 40 minutes in the Spanish top-flight league.

Additionally, Sadiq has been without a goal for eight months and is currently lacking in fitness and confidence.

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Francisco lauds Sadiq Umar's impact off the bench

The 28-year-old striker was not selected by Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria's World Cup play-off against Gabon.

Instead, the Frenchman opted for Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Tolu Arokodare as his striking options. Still, Sadiq would be delighted that his club coach singled him out for praise ahead of the International break.

“He's a player we all know, and when the opposition leaves you with those spaces behind the line,” Francisco said in quotes revealed by Estadio Deportivo.

“He's very difficult to mark because of his height and speed.

“We brought him on for that reason, to make runs, to make runs into space, to create the same uncertainty that Álvaro was creating for us on the other side, and he did well.

“But I think Pablo (Marín), Ahien, Zakharyan, and Sucic also performed very well,” the Real Sociedad coach concluded.

Real Sociedad take on Osasuna on the 22nd of November after the International break.. The Txuri-Urdin have had a poor start this season, accruing just 13 points from their opening 12 games.