Super Eagles striker Sadiq saves the day again for Valencia in 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano
Published: April 19, 2025
Nigeria international striker Umar Sadiq continued his fine form for Valencia, netting a crucial equalizer in their 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga encounter on Saturday afternoon.
The 28-year-old, currently on loan from Real Sociedad, was once again the hero for Los Che, scoring in the 75th minute to cancel out an earlier own goal by teammate César Tárrega that had given the hosts the lead.
Sadiq started the match on the bench, with manager Carlos Corberán opting for a forward pairing of Hugo Duro and Diego López.
However, the Nigerian was brought on in the 66th minute, replacing Portuguese midfielder André Almeida.
Just nine minutes after entering the fray, Sadiq made his presence felt — latching onto a low cross inside the box and slotting home past Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.
The goal marked Sadiq's fifth league strike since his January switch to Valencia, underlining his resurgence after a difficult spell at Real Sociedad.
Sadiq scored to salvage a point for Valencia in previous matches against Villarreal and Osasuna, while netting the game-winning goal in a 2-1 win versus Real Valladolid CF.
His impact has not gone unnoticed, with national team selectors rewarding his efforts with a call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
Although he didn’t feature in either of the World Cup qualifying matches, Sadiq will be aiming to maintain his impressive goal-scoring form in hopes of earning a recall to the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup tournament in London this June.
He will be eager to seize the opportunity to play under new head coach Eric Chelle and use the platform to impress the Malian tactician as Nigeria continues preparations for the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.
Adeyemi Adewale
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Galatasaray equal two club records as Osimhen delivers in Rizespor clash
- Tough day for Crystal Palace loanee: Goodman sent off in milestone 100th senior game
- 'Great delivery' – Ex-Leeds forward hails Onyeka for assist in Brentford's loss to Sunderland
- Nigeria-eligible defender scores on Werder Bremen debut two days after joining from Leeds
- Not just Chukwueze and Otele: Fulham add another Nigerian to winger shortlist
- 'An exciting player' – Former PL defender urges Chelsea to keep George after Delap's injury
- Man Utd legend blames Bassey and another Fulham player for Chelsea's first home goal of season
- Real Sociedad striker Sadiq pushes for Valencia loan move after Super Eagles omission
- 'Iwobi is the star man' – Sky Sports journalist backs Fulham ace to play key role v Chelsea
- New rival for Ola Aina as Nottingham Forest confirm signing of Juventus right-back


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Vsbet
- F168
- F168
- MB88
- keo nha cai
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- VT88
- VT88
- sunwin
- sunwin
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- F168
- F168
- F168
- F168
- hi88