Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq marked a memorable milestone on Tuesday night, netting his first goal for Valencia in a commanding 2-0 victory over lower-tier side Ourense in the Copa del Rey.
The Nigerian international, who joined Valencia on loan, had primarily been restricted to substitute appearances since his arrival.
That changed when the forward was handed his first starting role in the Copa del Rey encounter.
Valencia dominated proceedings from the outset but struggled to convert their dominance into goals during a frustrating first half.
Their persistence paid off early in the second half when an own goal by Fran Carmona in the 50th minute broke the deadlock and gave the La Liga side a vital lead.
Umar Sadiq, determined to make an impact, sealed the victory in the 78th minute with a moment of brilliance. Latching onto a pass from Sergi Canós, the Nigerian showcased his skill and composure by cutting inside and unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner, doubling Valencia’s advantage and effectively putting the game beyond Ourense’s reach.
Sadiq’s goal not only secured Valencia’s progression in the tournament but also signalled a promising start to his stint with the club.
As he continues to settle into life at Valencia, the Nigerian striker will aim to build on this performance and make a lasting impact in both domestic and international competitions.