‘Great news for everyone’ – Aguirre praises Sadiq after Valencia winner

Valencia CF head coach Javier Aguirre has welcomed Sadiq Umar’s return from injury after the Nigeria striker scored the goal that secured a 1-0 win against Elche CF on Sunday evening.

Sadiq came on in the second half at the Manuel Martinez Valero and made an immediate impact, finishing a swift counter-attack to give Valencia all three points.

The former Real Sociedad striker showed composure inside the area, getting beyond his marker before placing the ball into the net for the decisive goal.

Aguirre was delighted to see the 29-year-old back in action, although he was frustrated that Valencia failed to take advantage of further opportunities to make the result more comfortable.

“It’s great news for everybody,” Aguirre told Valencia’s official website.

“We also had the chance to make it 0-2, and I don’t know what happened in that move. Elche CF had their chances too. The win feels good.”

Sadiq has had a difficult start to the campaign because of fitness problems, but he has still made a useful contribution in front of goal.

The striker has scored twice in four appearances for Valencia, including his match-winning effort against Elche CF.

His injury had kept him out of Valencia’s previous seven league matches, against Barcelona, Sevilla, Alaves, Real Sociedad, Racing Santander, Athletic Club and Villarreal.

After successfully returning to the squad and deciding the contest in Elche, Sadiq will now look to remain fit and build on his latest performance as he works towards regaining his best form.