Umar Sadiq

Umar Sadiq (born February 2, 1997) is a Nigerian professional footballer who primarily plays as a center-forward. Known for his imposing physical presence, speed, and finishing ability, Sadiq has represented the Nigerian national team and built a career across multiple European leagues, particularly in Italy and Spain. Early Life and Career Start Sadiq was born in Kaduna, Nigeria. He began his football education at the Abuja Football College in Nigeria. His potential was quickly recognized, leading to a move to Europe early in his career. In 2014, Sadiq signed with the youth setup of Italian club Spezia Calcio. Career Progression After joining Spezia, Sadiq was quickly noticed by larger clubs. He moved to A.S. Roma in 2015, where he made his senior debut in Serie A. Following his spell at Roma, Sadiq embarked on a series of loan moves to gain first-team experience, which included stints at Bologna in Italy, Torino (where he was recalled early), and NAC Breda in the Netherlands. He later had a loan spell at Rangers in Scotland before returning to Italy with Perugia and then Parma. A significant turning point in his career came in 2020 when he joined UD Almería in the Spanish Segunda División. Sadiq thrived in Spain, becoming one of the league's most prolific strikers. His powerful performances helped Almería achieve promotion to La Liga, where he continued to impress. In September 2022, Sadiq secured a high-profile permanent move to Real Sociedad, an established La Liga club. However, his initial time at the club was hampered by a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, sidelining him for a significant period. In the most recent season, Sadiq has been playing on loan for Valencia CF from Real Sociedad. International Career and Achievements Sadiq has represented Nigeria at various levels. He gained prominence with the Nigerian Olympic team, notably at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he helped the team secure a bronze medal, contributing four goals during the tournament. He made his debut for the senior Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, in 2022. He was part of the squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring his first international goal during the tournament. Current Status Umar Sadiq is currently contracted to Real Sociedad, but is playing for Valencia CF on a loan deal. Despite battling injury setbacks in recent years, he remains a significant asset in the Nigerian attacking lineup and a notable figure in Spanish football.