Umar Sadiq Eventually Scores Senior National Team Goal For Nigeria

UD Almeria of Spain striker, Umar Sadiq eventually scored his first senior goal for Nigeria, as he struck early in the second half of the Super Eagles’ last group match against Guinea Bissau at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Megasportsarena.com reports that, before netting the goal, Sadiq toiled all through the first half and appeared to struggle with his ball control each time he got it at his feet.

Sadiq also looked heavy, as he ambled and tumbled clumsily over every chance that came his way, including a gilt-edged pass from Kalechi Nwakali in the first half.

Many Nigerian fans were left urging Eagles’ interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen to yank the Rio 2016 Olympic Games bronze medalist off at half time, but the gaffer kept faith with the leggy lad, and the Kaduna-born striker eventually justified that decision.

Nonetheless, the former Kaduna United, AS Roma and Spezia of Italy, Glasgow Rangers of Scotland and Partizan Belgrade of Serbia hitman still beat several other players in netting their debut senior goals.

Those who entered the game on Wednesday alongside Sadiq in search of their maiden goals for the Eagles were Tyronne Ebuehi, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Wilfred Ndidi, Chidera Ejuke and Nwakali, but it was William Troost-Ekong who got the second for Nigeria.

Incidentally, Sadiq was one of two Spain-based players in the starting line-up, alongside Nwakali, with both among the lot in the starting 11 that were aged 24 of below, along with stand-in goalkeeper, Francis Odinaka Uzoho and Ejuke

Overall, the 11 players that started Wednesday’s game had an average age of 25.27 years, with Ajayi and Troost-Ekong the oldest at 28, as Eagles’ interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen made eight changes from the side that defeated Egypt and Sudan.

Orlando Pirates of South Africa defender, Olisa Ndah, who played as a second half substitute, became the third different former under-23 national team, Olympic Eagles’ player to make a senior debut since the appointment of Eguavoen as caretaker coach.

Ndah followed the footsteps of Nwakali and Sadiq, while Ndidi got his tenth consecutive AFCON game for Nigeria, overtaking Ahmed Musa, who played nine straight matches – including seven at the 2019 edition as well as the semi-finals and final of South Africa 2013.

Nigeria’s starting lineup: Uzoho; Ebuehi, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Collins; Ndidi, Nwakali, Iheanacho, Ejuke, Iwobi; Sadiq.