Former Super Eagles midfielder and Atlanta ’96 gold medalist, Garba Lawal, during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa hailed Umar Sadiq’s impact at the Mestalla, suggesting that his recent scoring streak makes him an undeniable candidate for a national team return.
Umar Sadiq was impressive as Valencia boosted their survival hopes with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Girona FC in their La Liga clash at the Mestalla,
Since completing his move from Real Sociedad, the towering forward has been a revelation for Los Che. With five goals already under his belt, Sadiq has become the focal point of a Valencia side fighting to secure its top-flight status.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Lawal noted that the striker’s current form is a testament to the mental fortitude required to succeed in La Liga.
”It’s fantastic to see him back amongst the goals,” Lawal told Footy-Africa. “As a striker, when you aren’t scoring, you are angry with yourself—even if the team wins. That is the nature of the job. The club brings you in to find the back of the net, and if you aren’t doing that, it weighs on you.”
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Lawal, who earned 57 caps for Nigeria, revealed he has remained in close contact with the former Almeria man during his more difficult spells:
”I am among those who believe he is a fantastic player. I always reach out to him. Even when he wasn’t scoring, I told him to stay calm and that the goals would come. At the moment, he is doing exceptionally well. Every striker needs that confidence, and you can see he has found it again at Valencia.”
“Oyarzabal factor” and the move to Valencia
Sadiq’s departure from Real Sociedad in January raised eyebrows, but Lawal believes the move was a necessity for the player’s career progression.
He pointed to the tactical preference for Mikel Oyarzabal at Sociedad as the primary reason Sadiq needed a fresh start.
”He had to leave because of Oyarzabal,” Lawal explained. “Oyarzabal is a Spanish international, and he scores regularly. Even though he isn’t a natural striker, the coach used him there, and it’s very difficult to bench a player of that status. Moving to Valencia was the right decision. He’s showing the same reputation he built earlier in his career.”
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Return to the nest
With the Super Eagles preparing for the upcoming Unity Cup in England, the big question remains whether head coach Eric Chelle will hand Sadiq a recall.
The forward was a notable absentee from the last Africa Cup of Nations, but his current exploits in Spain have reignited the debate over his inclusion.
When asked if Chelle should include the forward in the squad for the London-based tournament, Lawal was emphatic.
“I think he should be there,” Lawal asserted. “Of course, I am not the coach—if I were, I would put him in the team! But I would love to see him back in the green and white anytime, any day. A striker in that kind of form is an asset to any national team.”
As Valencia continues their push for safety, Sadiq’s performances will undoubtedly stay under the microscope of the Super Eagles technical crew. If his current trajectory continues, a trip to England with the national team this summer looks increasingly likely.
