Sadiq Umar Considers Retirement After Nigeria Snub

Sadiq Umar, a 29-year-old striker currently with Valencia, is considering retirement from international football following his exclusion from Nigeria's national team by coach Eric Chell. Despite a promising end to the 2025/26 season in Spain, where he recorded seven goals and five assists in 29 appearances, Sadiq has not played for Nigeria since November 2024.

He was not selected for the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March 2025 and was also omitted from subsequent national team assignments, including friendly matches against Poland and Portugal. In an interview, Sadiq expressed his frustration over not being called up, stating that he may consider retirement if the situation does not change.

He emphasized the need for improvement in player welfare to enhance Nigerian football. Sadiq plans to focus on rediscovering his form with Valencia in the upcoming season, which begins in August, while he awaits a chance to prove himself for the national team.