Super Eagles and Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar has received praise from his head coach Sergio Francisco after his side's 2-0 win against Reus in the Copa Del Rey, Soccernet.ng reports.
Prior to the clash at Estadio Camp Nou Municipal, the 28-year-old had only started one game all season, while his other four appearances came off the bench.
Sadiq's last goal came in Valencia's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano back in May. After he came off the bench against Reus last night, the former Rangers striker set up Mikel Goti four minutes after the restart before he tucked away a spot kick in the 93rd minute.
Sergio Francisco lauds Sadiq Umar
Having been the third-choice attacker for the Txuri-Urdin this season, his decision to keep his head down and finally get back on the scoresheet pleased the Spanish manager.
“Sadiq is Sadiq. Whenever he comes on to play in recent matches, he brings something to the table,” the 46-year-old said in quotes revealed by AS.
“And today he brought strength, the ability to challenge.
“The ability to put a player in the back line who wins balls for us, who flicks them on, who always threatens the opponent, who, if we get down the wings and attack the area, can be a decisive player, and he was also the one who got the penalty that gave us peace of mind,” Francisco concluded.
Can Sadiq make Eric Chelle's final AFCON squad?
The Super Eagles coach released his 55-man provisional list for the AFCON 2025 tournament two days ago, and Sadiq was included.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle announces his Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad. pic.twitter.com/Y5WNgVIQ4b
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 2, 2025
While Sadiq's new form might make him a candidate for the final 28-man squad list, he's still a far cry from being a priority in the Super Eagles' attack.
Away from those four, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho and even Taiwo Awoniyi are more experienced in the Nigerian shirt and could get a nod ahead of the former Rangers striker.
The lack of minutes at the club level seals the deal. Sadiq's new form is good, but unless he can maintain it over the next two weeks, a place at the AFCON 2025 will elude him.
