“As a striker, I always want to play, score” — Sadiq Umar determined to regain form at Real Sociedad

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Nigeria forward Sadiq Umar has reaffirmed his commitment to earning more playing time and rediscovering his scoring touch at Real Sociedad after a challenging start to the season.

The 27-year-old has endured a slow beginning to the campaign, a situation influenced by an unsettled summer in which he explored a move away from the Basque club.

Following a loan spell at Valencia, Sadiq’s participation in pre-season was limited, leaving him to rebuild fitness and fight for his place in Imanol Alguacil’s squad.

“For me, as a striker, I always want to play and I always want to score,” Sadiq told Sporty TV. “But everything will come one step at a time, and I’m just waiting for my opportunity.”

Sadiq made his first start of the season in Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey fixture against FC Negreira in September. While his performances are yet to reach their previous heights, the club’s coaching staff have shown patience, attributing his struggles to a lack of full match sharpness rather than form.

Head coach Imanol Alguacil is reportedly satisfied with the striker’s work ethic and attitude as he continues to regain rhythm following a difficult spell.

However, with limited minutes so far, a potential loan move in January remains a possibility as Sadiq seeks consistent playing time to re-establish himself both at club level and with the Nigerian national team.