Sadiq Umar’s first Nigerian to score a header in LaLiga since 2019

UD Almeria striker Umar Sadiq has become the first Nigerian to score a header in the Spanish topflight in three years.

The 25 year old headed Almeria in front in his side’s 1-1 with Elche on Monday night in a LaLiga matchday 2 fixture at the Estadio Martinez Valero.

Sadiq made his LaLiga debut penultimate weekend in Almeria’s 2-1 loss to visiting to Real Madrid and has now opened his goal account in just two games.

The goal was his 41st for Almeria in 82 games in all competitions and 39 in 75 appearances in the league after scoring 38 in 73 games in LaLiga 2.

Sadiq’s goal on Monday is the first headed goal by a Nigerian in the LaLiga since 2019 when Ramon Azeez headed in the opener after just two minutes in Granada’s 2-0 defeat of Barcelona at the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes.

“@UDAlmeria_Eng’s Umar Sadiq is the first Nigerian player to score a header in @LaLiga since Ramón Azeez for Granada against Barcelona in September 2019 and the first one scoring such a form after a corner since Nosa for Betis against Sevilla in April 2013. Head,” according to Opta Stats.

Sadiq will be looking to add to his solitary strike when Almeria host Sevilla on Saturday at the Power Horse Stadium.