Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar is set to receive increased playing time at Real Sociedad after the club confirmed that first-choice forward Mikel Oyarzabal has suffered a hamstring injury, Soccernet.ng reports.
Sadiq has featured only sparingly for Real Sociedad this season, despite impressing during the second half of last season while on loan at Valencia.
After registering six goals in 19 appearances for Los Che, many expected him to secure a permanent move, especially as he was no longer viewed as an important part of Real Sociedad’s plans.
However, he ultimately remained in San Sebastián.
This season, the 28-year-old has been restricted to just three La Liga appearances, all of them coming from the bench.
Last month, Real Sociedad manager Sergio Francisco said he intended to give Sadiq more minutes, but the situation has barely improved.
Has Sadiq Umar’s breakthrough arrived?
On Thursday evening, Real Sociedad confirmed that Oyarzabal had sustained a muscle injury that will keep him out for some time.
While this is a major setback for the club — as the Spaniard has provided five goals and three assists in 13 league matches — it could prove to be a turning point for Sadiq.
Second-choice striker Orri Oskarsson has also been sidelined with a thigh issue in recent weeks, and with Oyarzabal now unavailable, Sadiq’s game time is expected to increase significantly.
Coach Francisco typically uses one out-and-out striker, and Sadiq is currently the only fit senior forward.
This makes him the most likely option ahead of academy graduate Jon Karrikaburu.
Will this be Sadiq’s launchpad to AFCON 2025?
The development could serve as Sadiq’s springboard into the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
At present, the competition for striker positions in the Super Eagles setup is fairly open.
The only Nigerian forwards consistently delivering in top European leagues are Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu.
If Sadiq finds form during this period, he will strengthen his chances of earning a place in the squad for AFCON 2025 next month.
The former AlmerÃa striker is technically sound, possesses a powerful shot, and is capable of scoring eye-catching goals.
He would give the Super Eagles a strong alternative alongside Osimhen in attack.
Sadiq now has a short window of around four to five matches to make his case if he hopes to secure a spot at the tournament.
