Sadiq Umar, the Real Sociedad striker, won’t be playing in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 due to a knee injury. Paul Onuachu is taking his place following the recommendation of the Super Eagles medical team.
They were concerned about Umar’s fitness due to a meniscus injury. However, after thorough examinations back at his club, it turns out he only has a bruise, and he’s good to resume training.
Umar released a statement addressing the controversy around his injury and exclusion from Nigeria’s squad at AFCON 2024. He expressed his love for Nigeria and extended his best wishes to the Super Eagles in the ongoing tournament.
Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro was puzzled by reports that Sadiq Umar might return to play for Real Sociedad shortly after withdrawing from AFCON due to injury.
Peseiro received a medical team report stating that Sadiq’s injury required at least 15 days to recover. The decision to replace him was made on the last possible day. Paul Onuachu took Sadiq’s spot, and Nigeria continues its campaign in AFCON 2024.
Meet Umar Sadiq Mesbah: Introduction
Umar Sadiq Mesbah, born on 2nd February 1997 in Kaduna, Nigeria, stands tall at 1.92 meters. As a professional striker, he currently graces the La Liga stage with Real Sociedad and proudly represents the Nigeria national team.
Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of this football sensation.
Biography
At the age of 27 in 2024, Umar Sadiq Mesbah has etched his name in the football annals. Hailing from Kaduna, Nigeria, Umar embarked on his youth career with Kuso Boys and Future of Africa, honing his skills at Football College Abuja.
His early dedication and talent laid the foundation for an extraordinary career.
Early Life and Education
Sadiq’s journey into the football realm started at Spezia in 2014, where he showcased his prowess through loans to clubs like Lavagnese, Roma, Bologna, Torino, NAC Breda, Rangers, Perugia, and Partizan.
Each stint contributed to his growth, with notable achievements, including a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics with the Nigeria U23 team.
Career
The transition to the senior career saw Sadiq make impactful moves, from Roma to Almería and now with Real Sociedad. His impressive goal-scoring record speaks volumes, with 79 goals in 79 appearances for Almería.
The crowning moment came with Almería’s Segunda División triumph in the 2021-22 season.
Early Years and Local Beginnings
Sadiq Umar, born in Kaduna, Nigeria, started his football journey playing on the streets of his hometown. His early days included playing for local teams like Kusa Boys and later joining the Future of Africa Football Academy and the Football College Abuja.
In 2013, he made a mark at the Kvarnerska Rivijera youth tournament in Croatia, finishing as the top scorer and helping his team claim the championship.
Rise to Italian Club Spezia
Following his standout performance in Croatia, Sadiq joined the Italian club Spezia. While not making first-team appearances, he excelled in the youth setup, becoming the top scorer in the Campionato Primavera during the 2014–15 season.
Roma and Loan Spells
In July 2015, Sadiq moved to Roma on a one-year loan, showcasing his talent with eight goals in his initial Primavera matches.
He made his Serie A debut in November 2015 and contributed two goals in six appearances that season. Roma exercised the option to sign him permanently in June 2016.
Sadiq experienced several loan spells, including Bologna, Torino, and NAC Breda, showcasing versatility and contributing to his teams. His loan to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, however, ended prematurely after four appearances.
Perugia and Move to Partizan
In January 2019, Sadiq joined Serie B side Perugia, making a significant impact with three goals in 17 appearances.
The subsequent move to Partizan in July 2019 marked a turning point, with Sadiq making headlines in the Europa League and securing a prominent role in the team.
Spanish Adventure with Almería
On October 5, 2020, Sadiq embarked on a new journey, joining Spanish Segunda División side UD Almería on a five-year contract.
Real Sociedad and UEFA Champions League Debut
In September 2022, Sadiq signed with Real Sociedad, scoring on his debut and making a notable impact. Unfortunately, an injury in a La Liga fixture against Getafe ruled him out for the season after surgery.
Comeback and Goal Feat
Sadiq made a triumphant return to the pitch in the 2023–24 La Liga campaign, scoring a spectacular goal against Sevilla. This marked the end of a goal drought lasting 449 days. His goal against CA Osasuna further solidified his presence in Real Sociedad.
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Umar Sadiq Mesbah leads a fulfilling personal life. Married to Hajia Maryam Sadiq Umar, the couple shares the joy of raising two boys and a girl.
However, the intricacies of his personal life also include a reported relationship with Judy Memini, resulting in another child.
Parents: Father and Mother
Umar Sadiq’s football lineage traces back to his father, Umar Abubakar, a distinguished footballer and striker for Ranchers Bees. While information about his mother remains elusive, the influence of his father’s legacy is evident in Umar’s journey.
Siblings: Brother and Sister
Unfortunately, search results do not provide information about Umar Sadiq’s siblings. Nevertheless, the focus on family and the support he garnered throughout his career is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of his success.
Sadiq Umar Net Worth (as of 2024)
As of October 25, 2023, conflicting reports surround Umar Sadiq’s net worth, ranging from $1.5 million to $66 million. Despite the variance, his contributions on and off the field underscore his financial success and influence in the football world.
Background Informations
| Full Name | Umar Sadiq Mesbah |
| Date of Birth | 2 February 1997 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 27 years old |
| Place of Birth | Kaduna, Nigeria |
| Height | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) |
| Wife | Hajia Maryam Sadiq Umar |
| Children | 3 Kids |
| Parents | Father: Umar Abubakar |
| Position(s) | Striker |
| Current Team | Real Sociedad |
| Number | 19 |
| Youth Career | Kuso Boys Future of Africa Football College Abuja |
| Senior Career | 2014–2016: Spezia (0 apps, 0 goals) 2014: Lavagnese (loan, 1 app, 0 goals) 2015–2016: Roma (loan, 6 apps, 2 goals) 2016–2020: Roma (0 apps, 0 goals) 2016–2017: Bologna (loan, 7 apps, 0 goals) 2017: Torino (loan, 3 apps, 0 goals) 2018: NAC Breda (loan, 12 apps, 5 goals) 2018: Rangers (loan, 1 app, 0 goals) 2019: Perugia (loan, 17 apps, 3 goals) 2019–2020: Partizan (loan, 24 apps, 12 goals) 2020: Partizan (10 apps, 6 goals) 2020–2022: Almería (79 apps, 40 goals) 2022–: Real Sociedad (23 apps, 3 goals) |
| International Career | 2016: Nigeria U23 (6 apps, 4 goals) 2022–: Nigeria (10 apps, 1 goal) |
| Net Worth (as of 2024) | $66 million |
Conclusion
In July 2016, Sadiq represented Nigeria in the Summer Olympics, marking the beginning of a journey filled with accolades and recognition.
His recent call-up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations attests to his enduring impact on the international stage.
Despite a setback due to injury, Umar Sadiq Mesbah’s story continues, filled with triumphs, challenges, and the unwavering spirit of a football icon.
