Sadiq Umar is a Nigerian professional footballer known for his role as a forward.
He currently plays for La Liga club Valencia and the Nigeria national team.
Sadiq began his football career playing on the streets of Kaduna before joining local teams and academies.
Biography
Early Life
Sadiq Umar Mesbah was born in Kaduna, Nigeria, where he began his football journey playing on the streets of his hometown. His early passion for the sport led him to local team Kusa Boys, and he later joined the Future of Africa Football Academy, followed by the Football College Abuja. In June 2013, he showcased his talent at the Kvarnerska Rivijera youth tournament in Croatia, finishing as the top scorer and helping his team clinch the championship.
Career Development
Sadiq's impressive performances caught the attention of Italian club Spezia, where he joined their youth setup. Although he did not make first-team appearances, he excelled in the Campionato Primavera, becoming the top scorer with 26 goals in 24 matches during the 2014–15 season. His career took off when he was loaned to AS Roma in July 2015, where he made his Serie A debut and scored his first goal shortly after. Over the years, Sadiq has played for several clubs, including FK Partizan, Unión Deportiva Almería, and Real Sociedad, showcasing his skills as a forward.
International Career
Sadiq has represented Nigeria at various levels, including the U23 team, where he played in the 2016 Summer Olympics, scoring four goals and helping Nigeria secure a bronze medal. He was called up for the senior national team for the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches and was named in the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, although an injury prevented his participation.
Legacy and Honors
Throughout his career, Sadiq has earned several honors, including the Campionato Nazionale Primavera title with Roma and the Segunda División title with Almería. He was also recognized for his individual talent, winning the La Liga Goal of the Month award in March 2025. Sadiq continues to be a prominent figure in Nigerian football, representing his country on the international stage.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played 23 May 2026
International
As of match played 18 November 2024
Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Sadiq goal.
In July 2016, Sadiq was named in Nigeria's final 18-man squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics. He appeared in all six of his team's games and scored four goals in the process, including a brace in the third-place victory over Honduras. After two successful seasons at Partizan and a move to the rising Almería, Sadiq received a call-up to the Nigeria national team for the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin and Lesotho on 27 and 30 March 2021 respectively. On 29 December 2023, Sadiq was named in the Nigerian squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. However, he sustained an injury in early January 2024 and was replaced by Paul Onuachu.
Early years
Born in Kaduna, Sadiq started playing football on the streets of his hometown at an early age. He later played for local team Kusa Boys, before joining the Future of Africa Football Academy and finally the Football College Abuja. In June 2013, Sadiq traveled with FCA to Croatia and participated at the Kvarnerska Rivijera youth tournament. He finished as the competition's top scorer and helped his team become the champions.
Spezia
Following his promising performances in Croatia, Sadiq was acquired by Italian club Spezia. He failed to make any first-team appearances, but played regularly for the youth setup. In the 2014–15 season, Sadiq became the Campionato Primavera top scorer, tallying an impressive 26 goals in 24 games.
Loan to Lavagnese
Shortly upon joining Spezia, Sadiq was loaned to Serie D side Lavagnese, making his senior debut in the final round of the 2013–14 season.
Loan to Roma
In July 2015, Sadiq joined Roma on a one-year loan. He was transferred alongside his teammate and compatriot Nura Abdullahi for €250,000 each with a buyout option of €1.25 million per player. Having bagged eight goals in his first three Primavera matches for Roma, Sadiq made his Serie A debut on 21 November, replacing Juan Iturbe after 88 minutes in a 2–2 away draw against Bologna. He scored his first goal on 20 December, netting only seven minutes after coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute for Mohamed Salah, helping his team to a 2–0…
- Club
- AS Roma (2015–2020)
- Club
- Spezia Calcio (2014–2015)
- Club
- FK Partizan (2019–2020)
- Club
- Unión Deportiva Almería (2020–2022)
- Club
- Real Sociedad (2022–2026)
- Club
- Rangers F.C. (2018–2018)
- Club
- NAC Breda (2018–2018)
- Club
- A.C. Perugia Calcio (2019–2019)
- Club
- Torino FC (2017–2018)
- Club
- Bologna F.C. 1909 (2016–2017)
- Club
- Nigeria men's national football team (2022–)
- Club
- Valencia CF (2025–)
- National team
- Nigeria
Legacy
Roma Primavera
Campionato Nazionale Primavera: 2015–16 Almería
Segunda División: 2021–22 Nigeria U23
Olympic Games bronze medal: 2016 Individual
La Liga Goal of the Month: March 2025
Clubs
Played together with
Aaron NemaneRangers F.C. · 2017–2018
Aaron RamseyRangers F.C. · 2022–2022- Aarón EscandellValencia CF · 2008–2012
Aarón ÑíguezRangers F.C. · 2008–2009- Aarón ÑíguezUnión Deportiva Almería · 2011–2013
- Aarón ÑíguezValencia CF · 2007–2011
- Abdallah YaisienBologna F.C. 1909 · 2013
Abdenasser El KhayatiNAC Breda · 2010–2012
Abedi PeleTorino FC · 1994–1996
Abel BalboAS Roma · 1993–1998- Abel BalboAS Roma · 2000–2002
- Abel Molinero PonsUnión Deportiva Almería · 2011–2013
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Umar Sadiq Mesbah is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for La Liga club Valencia and the Nigeria national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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