Former Nigerian international Abdulkadir Aliyu in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa welcomed the development of Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar, applauding Real Sociedad for finally handing him a chance to re-establish himself.
“I am very happy to see Sadiq get back into the Sociedad first team,” Aliyu exclusively 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.”
“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,” he added.
“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,” the former international concluded.
There seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel for Umar after he made his long-awaited first appearance of the season for Real Sociedad, marking an important step in his return to full fitness.
The 28-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, featured in Sociedad’s narrow 1-0 win over Mallorca last weekend. It was his first competitive game since achieving full match fitness, and a welcome sight for fans who have followed his uncertain summer.
🔙 Sadiq, en Zubieta. pic.twitter.com/qYe4VakpUh
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) July 14, 2025
Sadiq had been pushing for a permanent return to Valencia, where he impressed during his loan spell.
However, negotiations between both clubs broke down after Sociedad insisted that any loan deal must include an obligation to buy, while Valencia preferred an option to buy.
The disagreement led to the collapse of the transfer and forced the lanky forward to remain with Sociedad beyond the summer window, despite receiving interest from other clubs.
While some feared the breakdown of the move could leave him sidelined, his reintroduction into the Sociedad first team signals a fresh opportunity.
Sadiq featured in 30 games in all competitions last season, scoring six goals and providing an assist.
