Valencia’s head coach Carlos Corberan, has showered praises on new-signing Umar Sadiq after his impressive debut in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at Eldense in the Copa Del Rey.
The Nigerian international completed a loan move to the Los Ches earlier this month from Real Sociedad till the end of the season, with Valencia holding the opportunity to make the move permanent in the summer.
The 27-year old came on as a substitute in the 58th minute for Spanish forward Hugo Duro, and was a thorn in the flesh of the Eldense’s defence till the end of the match.
Speaking after the match, Corberan hailed the former Almeria striker saying, “From day one he (Sadiq) has come with the necessary attitude and mentality to play for Valencia CF.
Whoever comes must come with that commitment and that intention to help. Today was a first step where he has shown that attitude necessary for this moment.”
After a disappointing period at Real Sociedad, failing to fully regain form after suffering from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear in September 2022, the Nigerian striker swapped sides for the Mestalla, hoping to recapture the form he displayed at Almeria.
Sodiq also expressed delight at making his debut against the second tier side, stressing his determination and passion to play.
“I needed a game like this, I want to give it continuity, because unfortunately I hadn’t scored for a year and I want to change that, because I want to be an important player at Valencia,” he said after the game.
The Nigerian will be in contention to start for the Los Ches, when they travel to the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan to face Sevilla on Saturday in the Spanish Laliga.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
