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Umar Sadiq continued to stake his claim for a place in Eric Chelle's team after delivering another heroic performance for Valencia.
Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq delivered the goods for Valencia, scoring the winner to help Los Che beat Real Valladolid and climb out of the relegation zone.
This is the third match in four weeks that the Nigerian is scoring the crucial goal for the Valencians. He won them a point against Villarreal in February. Last game week, he scored a brace to ensure they were not beaten by Osasuna, and today, his goal ensured victory against fellow relegation contenders Real Valladolid.
Sadiq's form earned him a place in Eric Chelle's 39-man provisional squad list for the international break later in the month. And if the Malian has not made up his mind on including the 27-year-old in the final 23-man shortlist for the games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, his performance tonight would certainly earn him serious consideration.
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07:22 - 03.03.2025
Naija Stars Abroad: From Osimhen's goals to Bassey's United shocker — Nigerian men & women light up Europe
Nigerian stars shine across Europe as Osimhen and Sadiq score crucial goals, Bassey stuns Manchester United in FA Cup, while Super Falcons internationals match the men's impressive performances.
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23:21 - 02.03.2025
Are you watching Eric Chelle? Sadiq scores incredible brace to win another point for Valencia and improve Super Eagles call up chance
Umar Sadiq scored twice to help Valencia secure a crucial point in their fight against the drop.
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Key match details
Valencia had a bright start, scoring within seven minutes when Jose Gaya played the ball through to Sadiq, who cleverly laid off the ball to Diego Lopez. Lopez, in turn, finished into the bottom-right corner to send Mestella rocking.
Sadiq squandered a golden chance to double the lead, firing wide under pressure from Enzo Barrenechea after a swift free kick. Valladolid capitalised on Valencia's profligacy when a misplaced backpass from David Torres put Giorgi Mamardashvili under duress, and Juanmi Latasa seized the chance, firing between the goalkeeper's legs.
Despite a frustrating half, Sadiq spearheaded Valencia's resurgence after the break. Los Ches regained their momentum, and Sadiq timed his run perfectly, poking the ball beyond Karl Hein.
Valladolid's slim hopes of a comeback were nearly reignited when Latasa met a long cross, but Mamardashvili atoned for his earlier error, pushing the header wide. The visitors' challenge fizzled out, and Valencia saw out the game with ease to move into 16th on the log. Valladolid on the other hand, remain rooted to the bottom of the standings.
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