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| [bet9ja.com](https://register.bet9ja.com/?btag=yohaig&promocode=yohaig)[Valencia head](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/sports-betting/bet9ja/bet9ja-promotion-code/) coach Carlos Corberán has expressed optimism that Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq will be available for their LaLiga clash with Real Mallorca on Sunday, despite a recent viral infection. | |||||
| Sadiq, who returned from international duty on Thursday, missed Friday’s training session due to a fever. However, Corberán confirmed the 28 year old was at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva facilities and is expected to rejoin the squad for Saturday’s final session before the match. | |||||
| "Sadiq was working and getting back into the swing of things yesterday, but he couldn’t train today due to a fever. He should train tomorrow," Corberán said via the club’s official website. | |||||
| Since joining Valencia from Real Sociedad in January, Sadiq has scored four goals in just eight league appearances, including a stunning backheel goal that earned him LaLiga’s Goal of the Month award for March. | |||||
| Corberán also praised Sadiq’s impact on the team, saying, "I feel fortunate to have him on the team. Just as I feel fortunate to have the broad group I have at my disposal." | |||||
| Editorial | |||||
| Carlos Corberán’s measured optimism over Umar Sadiq’s fitness is exactly the kind of [leadership Valencia](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/sports-betting/) needs right now. In a season marked by highs and lows, Sadiq has emerged as a beacon of consistency and brilliance and it’s no surprise that his potential absence, even due to illness, raises eyebrows. | |||||
| The [Nigerian](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/local-clubs-and-academies/unlock-football-dreams-top-5-free-academies-in-nigeria/) has blended seamlessly into the Valencia attack since arriving from . Four goals in eight matches, capped by a backheel wonder goal, have not only boosted Valencia’s campaign but reasserted Sadiq’s reputation as one of the most underrated forwards in Europe. | |||||
| What’s commendable is Corberán’s transparency. He’s not rushing the player, nor downplaying the importance of fitness even for a game they’ll be expected to win. That balance of care and competitiveness is what will keep Valencia moving in the right direction. | |||||
| And for Nigerian fans, the bigger picture remains bright. Sadiq’s return to form is timely, especially with international tournaments and qualifiers on the horizon. He’s a player in rhythm, trusted by his manager, and enjoying his football. | |||||
| Provided he shakes off the fever in time, Sunday’s match offers him another stage to remind us why he’s so crucial not just for Valencia, but for Nigerian football. | |||||
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| Umar Sadiq began his senior career in Europe with Spezia in Italy before moving to Roma, where he made his Serie A debut in 2015.<br>[bet9ja.com](https://register.bet9ja.com/?btag=yohaig&promocode=yohaig) | |||||
| His [standout season](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/news/interviews/sunday-oliseh-names-festus-[ Sadiq represented Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, scoring twice and helping the team reach the quarterfinals.](https://www.yohaig.ng/recommends/1xbet/)[bit.ly](https://bit.ly/Bet9jaPromotionCodeYOHAIG) | |||||
| He has a degree in accountancy and once stated he considered leaving football for [academics](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/match-previews-and-reviews/lookman-nets-20th-goal-as-atalanta-secure-champions-league-spot/) before breaking through in Europe.<br>[bet9ja.com](https://register.bet9ja.com/?btag=yohaig&promocode=yohaig) | |||||
| Valencia last won La Liga in 2004, during a golden era under Rafael Benítez.<br> | |||||