The Super Eagles striker has not played since a hamstring injury in August, and Valencia are still waiting for his return.
Want our football coverage to show up first?
Add FootballInNigeria as a preferred source and our stories get a "Preferred" badge in your Google Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode results.
Sadiq absent in Santander
Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq was missing as Valencia drew 2-2 with Racing Santander in La Liga on Sunday evening. The match took place at El Sardinero, and both sides played with plenty of attacking intent. FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports that Sadiq was sidelined by injury.
Sadiq has made three league appearances and scored once for Valencia this season. His absence leaves coach Carlos Corberán short of options at centre forward.
Fans following Nigerian strikers in Spain can read what the Bet9ja promotion code does before the next La Liga weekend.
A thriller at El Sardinero
The sides traded goals in a breathless contest, with Racing Santander using sharp transitions to cause problems at home. Valencia relied on experienced composure to carve open the hosts’ defence.
Both teams pushed for a late winner in a frantic closing stage, but the defensive blocks held firm. The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 stalemate.
Supporters hoping to back Valencia can look at Bet9ja’s YOHAIG member offer before the next game.
How the injury happened
Sadiq hurt his right hamstring in Valencia’s 3-1 win over Deportivo La Coruña on August 30, a game in which he scored. Valencia confirmed the injury on September 1 and said he would follow a rehabilitation programme at the club’s training ground.
Spanish media reported that he would be out for at least two months, with a return pencilled in for the Elche game. That timeline would mean he also misses the trip to Athletic Club on October 17.
Fans can check this Bet9ja promotion code primer before Valencia’s next fixture.
Sadiq and the Super Eagles
Sadiq was not part of recent Super Eagles squads. Afrik-Foot reported in the summer that he was considering retiring from international football after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
He joined Valencia permanently in January 2026 on a deal running to June 2028, after a loan spell from Real Sociedad. Can he stay fit long enough to force his way back into Eric Chelle’s plans?
📌 Did You Know?
- Sadiq was born on February 2, 1997, and his full name is Umar Sadiq Mesbah.
- Real Sociedad paid a club-record €25 million for him in 2022.
- His first spell at Valencia was a loan from January 2025 until the end of that season.
- Valencia used three different strikers in their first three league games this season: Danjuma, Hugo Duro and Sadiq.
- Valencia reportedly paid about €4.5 million to make his move permanent.
