Sadiq Umar sends notice to Eric Chelle with goal in Valencia’s 2-1 win over Girona

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar scored for Valencia as they scraped a 2-1 win over Girona at the Estadio de Mestalla on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

​After scoring in Valencia's away draw at Mallorca last week, coach Carlos Corberan rewarded Sadiq with another start when they welcomed fellow relegation fighters Girona.

​There was a lot riding on the fixture, as both teams were at risk of the drop. Going into the game, Los Che were two points above the relegation zone, while Girona sat four points clear.

​Valencia dominated the early proceedings, bossing possession and creating the better chances. Sadiq got his first real look at goal in the 19th minute after receiving a pass inside the box; he struck the ball goalward, but his effort flew wide.

​Sadiq looked sharp throughout the night and was full of running, but clear-cut opportunities were hard to come by. Despite their dominance, Valencia failed to capitalize in the final third, and the first half ended goalless.

​Valencia started the second period strongly and were rewarded just five minutes after the restart. Largie Ramazani combined brilliantly with Javi Guerra before scoring with a low shot into the bottom-right corner, beating Paulo Gazzaniga to make it 1-0.

​Nine minutes later, Sadiq, who had been tireless all night, got his name on the scoresheet. He reacted brilliantly to a cross from Jose Gaya and buried a header. Although the finish was perfectly placed, his movement in the build-up to the goal was even more impressive.

He confused the defenders with his run and, despite pressure from a Girona player, bullied his way through to plant the header and give his side a cushion.

​However, that comfort did not last long. Girona pulled one back in the 63rd minute thanks to a strike from Joel Roca. Eight minutes later, Sadiq was substituted, with Hugo Duro replacing him.

​Ultimately, the Super Eagles star's effort proved to be the decider. Despite a dramatic final few minutes with chances at both ends, the game ended 2-1 to Valencia. Following the victory, Los Che climb to 11th in the La Liga table with 39 points after 33 games.

Back-to-Back Goals for Sadiq Umar: Eric Chelle, Take Note

Sadiq Umar's strike for Valencia against Girona marked his second consecutive goal. However, it is not just his scoring record that is impressive; the striker has looked remarkably sharp in every match he has played recently.

​With the season drawing to a close and international fixtures on the horizon, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will undoubtedly be finalizing his squad lists.

Nigeria is scheduled to face Poland and Portugal before participating in the Unity Cup. Any of these upcoming matches could provide the perfect opportunity for Chelle to evaluate players he hasn't yet had the chance to see in person.

​If Sadiq continues his scoring streak through the end of the campaign, he will certainly fancy his chances of making Chelle’s squad. His case is further strengthened by the fact that other regular strikers, such as Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, have not been playing games.

​The former Almeria man will be focused on maintaining this rich vein of form to help his side avoid relegation. From there, he will be hoping his performances are enough to earn a call-up from Chelle.