Super Eagles

David Ben

Almeria and Real Sociedad are currently in talks over a deal for Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar.

The 25-year-old striker has been instrumental to Almeria's return to La Liga this campaign, having won the La Liga Segunda league last campaign as well the the highest goalscorer award in the league.

Umar was initially targeted by La Liga side Villarreal.

However, the Yellow Submarines failed to reach an agreement with Almeria for his signature and talks broke down.

The Super Eagles striker was also linked with a move to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund this summer, but the deal never materialized.

However, reliable transfer journalist <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano">Fabrizio Romano</a>, now reports that Almeria and Sociedad are closing in on an agreement for the striker this summer.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Real Sociedad are pushing to sign Umar Sadiq from Almería. Talks in progress, hopeful to get it done — after deal collapsed with Villarreal. ⚪️🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealSociedad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealSociedad</a> He’s the main option considered to replace Alexander Isak.&mdash; Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1564291593166782465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Sociedad are hoping to sign a replacement for their former Swedish frontman Alexander Isak, who was sold to Newcastle in a £60m deal last month.

The fee is believed to be in the region of N11bn(£24 million) should an agreement be reached.

Umar Sadiq has become a player in high demand across Europe following his performances with Almeria

The former Rangers loanee has no doubt had an impressive career since his move away from Scotland, having impressed at Partizan before joining Almeria in 2020.

Umar has already scored 2 goals in his side's opening three fixtures in La Liga this campaign with both goals, each coming in Almeria's last two games against Elche and Sevilla.

Umar Sadiq could be heading to Real Sociedad this summer

Real Sociedad have identified the Super Eagles and Almeria star as the perfect replacement for their former striker.

Umar Sadiq: Real Sociedad closing in on N11billion deal for Super Eagles star

Niyi Iyanda

His eye-catching performances have him linked with a big move away, with a host of top European suitors waiting to get him cheap before his stock increases.

Sadiq Umar dominated the second division of Spanish football with 19 league goals

Former employers Roma are reportedly interested in bringing Umar back to the Stadio Olimpico, with Jose Mourinho rumoured to be an admirer of the forward.

La Liga sides are also on the bandwagon, with Sevilla and Valencia both rumoured to be hot on Umar’s trail, with multiple reports linking the 25-year-old with a move to the former in the January transfer window.

A natural goalscorer, none of his 18 goals came from the penalty spot, and his unselfish play saw him contribute nine assists during the season. Umar is valued at around £25m, and his performances last season have earned him a Summer switch.

Umar was ever-present in Almeria's promotion campaign

As has been the case in recent years, Manchester United signings have not always gone as planned. Despite some flashes of quality, Edinson Cavani is yet another transfer with mixed results.

Acquired on a free transfer from Paris Saint Germain in October 2020, Cavani, who was directly involved in 26 goals in his 59 appearances for the Red Devils, will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Edinson Cavani leaves Old trafford having scored 19 goals for the Red Devils

Following their promotion to the top flight, Almeria is looking to bolster their ranks, and it seems likely that Cavani could be on his way to Andalusia.

There have been reports linking Cavani with a move to the USA to play in the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, but Paris Saint-Germain’s record goalscorer believes he still has a point to prove in the top leagues.

With 58 goals for Uruguay Cavani might still have a role to play in Qatar

According to Cavani’s agent, the Uruguayan is open to moving to La Liga as several clubs have proposed a transfer for the veteran striker. A move to Spain makes sense as it should keep Cavani in the reckoning for selection for the Uruguayan national team, especially with the 2022 World cup on the horizon.

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar scored a brace in his side's draw on Saturday

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani could be replacing Sadiq Umar at Almeria in their first season back in La Liga.

Manchester United striker cited as possible replacement for Sadiq Umar

Almeria threatened early and nearly went ahead twice in the opening ten minutes. Arvin Appiah fired a good strike in the middle of the box before Samuel Costa tried to turn home a rebound from a corner, but Andoni Zubiaurre in the Sociedad goal did well to deny both men.&nbsp;

The travelling side took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Lucas Robertone whipped in a good cross, which Rodrigo Ely emphatically finished from close range.&nbsp;

Rodrigo Ely runs to Lucas Robertonne to celebrate his goal

Sociedad winger Xeber Alkain tried to grab a goal back a few minutes later, but after losing his cool in the box, he dragged his effortly wide. Alkain did find the back of the net, but the linesman chalked it off for offside.

Just before the hour mark Almeria got a chance to double their lead. Zubiaurre brought down Sadiq Umar with a rash tackle and conceded a penalty. Francisco Portillo stepped up to the spot before narrowly missing his penalty.

Barely ten minutes later, the visitors grabbed a deserved second goal. Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar broke free before passing to Jose Carlos Lazo, who latched onto the ball ahead of defenders before firing into the top right corner.&nbsp;

Sociedad manager Xabi Alonso saw his side miss more chances and their visitors confidently saw out the rest of the game to record their fourth win in a row.&nbsp;

Almeria is close to earning a promotion to La Liga, sitting five points ahead of Eibar at the top of the table with just two matches remaining in the current season. Currently, on a seven-match unbeaten streak, they will be in high spirits for their final fixtures.&nbsp;

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has been key to much of Almeria's success this season,&nbsp;contributing 28 goal involvements (17 goals and 11 assists) to their promotion push. Umar would hope to add to his goal tally as he looks to finish the season as the league's most prolific strikers.&nbsp;

Sadiq Umar continues to dominate the second division of Spanish football

Almeria will host Alcorcon in their last home match of the season and would look to record another win to keep their promotion within sight.&nbsp;

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar registered his 12th assist of the season as Almeria cruised to an easy victory in the second tier of Spanish football.

Sadiq Umar stars as Almeria continue unbeaten streak

Almeria forward Umar Sadiq has lamented the deep tribalism that Nigerians use to view the game.&nbsp;In an interview with Omasports, Umar stated that some of his critics believe he is only in the national team because he is from the northern part of the country.

Umar scoffed at critics who claimed his 'connections' helped him earn a spot on the national team, adding that if he did use his connections, his career would have advanced much further.

“People say I am in the national team because I am from the north, I laugh because if I truly wanted to use my connections, I would have been in the national team long ago," Umar said.

Sadiq Umar celebrating his lone AFCON goal with his Super Eagles teammates

The towering striker added that the deep tribalism that taints the Nigerian game saddens him, and he believes the media ought to play a bigger part in curbing the issue.

“I am sad that Nigerians have turned the national team to tribal war. People support players based on their tribe, and it breaks my heart.&nbsp;

"Even the media have caused a lot of problems. When you like a player, you praise him over the others, and it is not good",&nbsp;the Almeria forward said.

Whoever claims Umar is in the Super Eagles scouting pool due to his tribe has clearly not bothered to follow the striker's season so far.

Umar was nominated for February's player of the month following an impressive five-goal haul in that month alone.

The 24 year old has been in decent form for his club this season, bagging 14 goals in all competitions for Almeria.

With a crucial two legged World Cup qualifiers at the end of the month, Umar will be looking to continue his current hot streak in order to silence his doubters.

Super Eagles and Almeria striker Sadiq Umar is unhappy with the ethnic bias that fans use to look at the national team

Umar Sadiq has slammed his critics, who he insists are trying to divide the Super Eagles along cultural and tribal lines.

'It breaks my heart'- Sadiq Umar bemoans tribalism from fans

Reports have again emerged that Spanish side Sevilla is interested in signing Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar from Almeria.&nbsp;

Umar Sadiq has been in superb form since the turn of the year. The striker scored for the Super Eagles at AFCON before netting five goals in February.

Sadiq Umar celebrates with Super Eagles teammates after scoring Nigeria's opener against Guinea-Bissau

The striker's form has even seen him <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles/super-eagles-striker-sadiq-umar-amongst-nominees-for-la-liga-player-of-the-month/gpfg8s9">nominated for the February player of the month </a>award.

Julen Lopetegui is reportedly looking at Umar as a potential replacement for Youssef en-Nesyri, who looks likely to leave Sevilla in the summer window.

Julen Lopetegui is reportedly a big fan of Umar's physicality

Reports from Spain suggest Sevilla’s Director has already held discussions with Almeria about making a deal less than&nbsp;Umar's €60million release clause.

With Almeria rumoured to want just €20 million for their talismanic asset, Sevilla would be able to swoop in for Umar, as En-Nesyri believed to command around €50 million.

Youssef en-Nesyri could command a fee upwards of  €40 million.

Sevilla currently places second on the Spanish La Liga table and are firm favourites to qualify for Champions League.

Rumours have also emerged linking Umar to a switch to the Premier League, with Newcastle United keen to continue their financial flexing with a €25 million swoop.

Umar and Almeria will travel to Zaragoza for their next fixture on March 4.

Sevilla have reportedly held talks about signing Umar Sadiq in the summer transfer window

Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq close to ₦9 billion transfer to La Liga

Augustine Eguavoen has praised the performance of Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar.

Speaking to reporters at the post-match press conference, Eguavoen revealed that he never gave up on the young forward.

"I kept talking to him, he is a player that has played for Roma and now he's in Spain [still] scoring goals and the first two games he couldn't find his feet for whatever reason

"However I think he has performed well and we started him today to see how he would react and I think he did very well," Eguavoen said.

Umar opened the scoring with a neat tap-in from a Kelechi Iheanacho cross in the 56th minute. That proved to be his last contribution to the game as Peter Olayinka came on to replace him barely a minute after.

Going into the round of 16 Umar's goal would do a lot for his confidence.

The Super Eagles await confirmation on who their round of 16 opponents will be.

Super Eagles Interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen has praised striker Sadiq Umar as he opened the scoring in the win over Guinea-Bissau.

AFCON 2021: Eguavoen praises Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar

Tunde Young

The Super Eagles of Nigeria played against Guinea-Bissau in the final round of group stage games, having already secured qualification as winners of Group D.

This meant head coach Augustine Eguavoen treated it as an opportunity to rest important players, and rang the changes by handing eight players their first start at the 2021 AFCON.

The changes did not affect the team’s performance as Nigeria sailed to a 2-0 win but how did the newcomers perform?&nbsp;

Francis Uzoho deputised for the resting Maduka Okoye and had a decent game, keeping a clean sheet despite Guinea-Bissau’s best efforts.&nbsp;

Uzoho put himself in contention for further selection with two good saves from long-range efforts in the 79th and 86th minutes.

Uzoho did enough to earn his second clean sheet in two AFCON appearances after he kept out Tunisia in the third-place playoff at AFCON 2019.

Semi Ajayi made a cameo appearance in the win against Egypt having come off the bench in the 79th minute to replace the injured Kenneth Omeruo.

After remaining an unused sub in the next game against Sudan, the centre-back finally got his chance from the start against Guinea-Bissau.

Semi Ajayi played the full game and had a good headed chance in the first half which he failed to convert but at least he has a clean sheet to show for his efforts which he earned with a goal-saving block in the 86th minute.

There was nothing in his performance against Guinea-Bissau to suggest that he would steal Kenneth Omeruo’s place in the team when the knockout rounds begin though.

Not only was this Tyronne Ebuehi’s first appearance at AFCON 2021, but it was also his first game for Nigeria since March 2021.

Ebuehi had an uneventful game as he was hardly tested defensively and failed to catch the eye going forward as well. You can expect to see Ola Aina back in the team for subsequent games.

Jamilu Collins contesting with Guinea-Bissau's Jefferson Encada for the ball

Jamilu Collins started and played to completion all of Nigeria’s six games (albeit under a different coach) prior to AFCON 2021. It is safe to say he was the Super Eagles’ first-choice left-back and would have probably started the first two games ahead of Zaidu Sanusi<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles/super-eagles-update-ebuehi-collins-absent-as-eguavoen-passes-first-test/s83gb5m"> if he had arrived in Cameroon earlier.</a>

Jamilu Collins made his first AFCON 2021 appearance in the win against Guinea-Bissau and had an average game.

Collins played the full 90 minutes but was largely unspectacular and did not grab his chance to reclaim the left-back spot from Zaidu Sanusi.

Kelechi Nwakali gave a good account of himself in what was not only his first AFCON start but also a first start for the Super Eagles. He played alongside the ever-present Wilfried Ndidi in central midfield and showed glimpses of quality before getting subbed off in the 75th minute.

Nwakali displayed good movement and passing in the middle and created a big chance in the first half which should have been an assist had Umar Sadiq converted.

After an eye-catching substitute appearance against Egypt, Chidera Ejuke finally got his chance as a starter to the delight of Super Eagles’ supporters.

But the winger failed to live up to the expectations and was replaced in the 57th minute by Moses Simon, who immediately signalled an upgrade in quality on the left wing.

Ejuke did not have a good game but his talent is undeniable and he will most likely make more substitute appearances in subsequent games.

Alex Iwobi played the full game against Guinea-Bissau as a right midfielder rather than his preferred left flank or in the hole as the number 10.

Perhaps the change in position affected his performances Iwobi failed to influence the game as he would have liked.

He did come on as a substitute in both of the games prior to this one which implies that he will play more games at a similar capacity in the knockout rounds.

The much-maligned striker had been on the receiving end of criticism for his poor substitute appearances in the first two games and the trend continued against Guinea-Bissau.

Sadiq made it a hat-trick of poor performances with his first-half miss still fresh in the memory. He would go on to open the scoring for Nigeria with a tap-in from Kelechi Iheanacho’s wonderful assist.

Peter Olayinka, Frank Onyeka, Olisa Ndah and Henry Onyekuru all made their AFCON 2021 debuts as second-half substitutes but failed to make any noteworthy impact.&nbsp;

Nigeria played eight new starters in the Group D encounter with Guinea-Bissau, here is how they all performed.

AFCON 2021: How Sadiq Umar and the other Super Eagles newcomers fared against Guinea-Bissau

Super Eagles interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has opted for Umar Sadiq to lead his side’s attack in today’s Group D clash against Guinea-Bissau

According to completesports.com, Sadiq will start ahead of Slavia Prague's Peter Olayinka, the man suggested to replace Taiwo Awoniyi Up front.

Other changes include, Francis Uzoho is also set to make his first appearance in the competition as Maduka Okoye is rested.

The electric duo of Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi will likely be replaced by Tyronne Ebuehi and Jamilu Collins. While reports have emerged that West Brom's Semi Ajayi will also start ahead of Kenneth Omeruo.

Venezia fullback Ebuehi is likely to start today

Here is the confirmed XI to face Guinea-Bissau:

Kickoff for the final group game is by 8pm in Garoua.

Almeria forward Sadiq Umar is going to start in tonight's game against Guinea Bissau.

AFCON 2021: Sadiq Umar to start against Guinea-Bissau

Steve Dede

<h1>Spanish second division side Almeria have set a £26m price tag on their Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq.&nbsp;</h1>

Almeria signed Sadiq in the summer transfer window of 2020 for €5m and the Spanish second-tier side are looking to make a significant profit following his impressive season.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old was the stand-out performer for Almeria last season with 28 goals and nine assists in all competitions.&nbsp;

The striker’s performance in the 2020/2021 season has drawn interest from a slew of clubs, and Almeria will demand £26m to sell the Nigerian.&nbsp;

The striker has a £51.6m release clause in his contract, but according to reports, Almeria are willing to lower the price.

Sadiq started the 2020-21 season at Serbian club Partizan Belgrade, which saw him score six goals in ten games.

But in October 2020, the former AS Roma player linked up with Almeria, and he continued his goal-scoring exploits finding the back of the net 20 times in the league.

Premier League giants <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/umar-sadiq-has-been-linked-to-manchester-city/f2439e0">Manchester City are reportedly interested</a> in the striker but are looking to loan him to a sister club in France.&nbsp;

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar scored his 15th goal of the season for Almeria against Malaga. [Twitter/@UDAlmeriaEng]

Sadiq Umar is set to get Almeria a lot of money this summer.

Spanish club Almeria want £26m for Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq

<h1>Nigerian striker Sadiq Umar scored a brace as Almeria were held to a 2-2 draw against Real Oviedo on Saturday, May 1, 2021.</h1>

Umar’s first goal was from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute before he doubled his side’s lead with a left-footed finish eight minutes later.&nbsp;

Almeria conceded two goals to draw the game.&nbsp;

With this brace, Umar now has 18 league goals in 33 games and continues to show himself as a top prospect.

He has been leading Almeria for their push to the La Liga and is due a move to a bigger side irrespective of what happens with Almeria this season.

Umar now has 18 league goals in the Spanish second-tier.

Sadiq Umar nets brace as Almeria continues push for La Liga promotion

<h1>In-form Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu has been called up to the main Super Eagles squad for the upcoming games against the Benin Republic and Lesotho.&nbsp;</h1>

Despite scoring the most goals of any Nigerian player this season, Onuachu was controversially left out of the Super Eagles' squad for the games and was placed on the standby-list.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old has now been called up with Moses Simon's absence, as he will not be able to travel due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

"Like several clubs in France, FC Nantes will not release its selected international players for matches outside of Europe during the next international break, scheduled for the end of March," Moses' club Nantes said in a statement.&nbsp;

Moses is not the only player who will not make the games due to the travel restrictions.&nbsp;

Umar Sadiq won't be available for the Super Eagles this month (Twitter/Almeria)

Spanish club Almeria have announced that they will not release Sadiq Umar because the 'security or bureaucratic conditions' for the striker's trip have not been met.&nbsp;

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨OFFICIAL STATEMENT.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/udalmer%C3%ADa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#udalmería</a> <a href="https://t.co/ctnTLN0V4D">pic.twitter.com/ctnTLN0V4D</a>&mdash; UD Almería (@UDAlmeria_Eng) <a href="https://twitter.com/UDAlmeria_Eng/status/1372895636358459400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It's a blow to the 24-year-old who only received his first call-up following his fine form for Almeria this season.&nbsp;

The striker has 14 goals for Almeria in Spanish second-tier and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles-coach-gernot-rohr-reveals-he-left-out-paul-onuachu-from-the-recent-squad/x6n85g4">was why Onuachu was left out of the squad in the first place</a>.&nbsp;

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr said he wanted to try out Sadiq and hinted that Onanchu was his second-choice striker.&nbsp;

"It is because I want to see somebody else. We saw him already, we know him, we know his strengths," Rohr told ESPN.

"He was a little bit unlucky each time when he has to play. It is the last moment before the World Cup qualifiers that we can test somebody else, so we choose Sadiq Umar."

The Super Eagles will face the Republic of Benin on Saturday, March 27, 2021, before coming back home to host Lesotho on Tuesday, March 30, to round up their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.&nbsp;

Nigeria's most-inform player Onuachu has been drafted into the Super Eagles squad.

Paul Onuachu called up to Super Eagles squad with Spanish-based Sadiq Umar, now the latest player to opt out

<h1>The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, released Gernot Rohr's list for Super Eagles' upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.&nbsp;</h1>

Nigeria will play Benin Republic away and Lesotho at home, and for the games, Rohr called up 24 players.

These are the major talking points from the squad.&nbsp;

Despite not having a club since October 2016, Ahmed Musa was included in the squad.&nbsp;

His inclusion in the squad has generated the most conversation from the Super Eagles list.&nbsp;

Rohr has clarified his decision, stating that Musa's inclusion was an honorary one.&nbsp;

"It's important to clarify that Musa is not in the competitive list of 23 players for our game against Benin and Lesotho," Rohr told BBC Sport Africa.

"We've invited Musa as the captain by making him the 24th player, but he is not as part of the 23 on the list that will play our two matches.

"What is important now is to focus on the games ahead and not to be distracted by anything else. We hope for all our prayers to be fit and travel down safely for the matches."

<h2>2. Rohr ignores Paul Onuachu&nbsp;</h2>

Paul Onuachu is flying in Belgian but continues to be ignored by Super Eagles coach (witter/Genk)

Despite being the highest-scoring Nigerian player, Genk striker Paul Onuachu was not included in the squad; instead, he was placed on a standby list.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old currently has 25 goals in 29 league games in the Belgian Pro-League, but the striker will make do with just the standby list.&nbsp;

Onuachu and Rohr do not have a good history together. Apart from his debut when he scored in the first minute and terrorised the Egyptian defence in a friendly match in March 2019, the lanky striker has been underwhelming in national colours.&nbsp;

Rohr has also admitted that the striker does not fit with his style of play.

Francis Uzoho is back after a year out of action (Instagram/Francis Uzoho)

For the first time since he sustained a big injury in the friendly against Brazil in October 2019, Francis Uzoho is back with the Super Eagles.&nbsp;

It took Uzoho about a year to recover, and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/nigerian-goalkeeper-francis-uzoho-makes-match-return-after-more-than-a-year-out-with/ypvk3xs">he played his first game in early January since that game in 2019</a>.&nbsp;

He is not expected to play as Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye now the number one goalkeeper.&nbsp;

Okoye has kept goal in Super Eagles' last four games and seems now undroppable due to his form with Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie.&nbsp;

<h2>3. Sadiq gets debut call-up&nbsp;</h2>

Umar Sadiq has been called up after his performances in Spain (Twitter/Almeria)

It's been a long time coming for Sadiq Umar. It has taken him five years to get to the national team after he impressed in Nigeria's U-23 run to a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.&nbsp;

After that tournament, he experienced many lows before the highs, which have led him to this call-up.&nbsp;

Now with Spanish second-tier side Almeria where he has scored 14 goals to aid their thriving promotion push.&nbsp;

Wilfred Ndidi has not played for the Super Eagles for more than a year. Ndidi last featured for the Super Eagles in a 4-2 win away at Lesotho. With no football action in almost the whole of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ndidi missed Nigeria's four games in October and November 2021.&nbsp;

Now fully recovered and fit, the top-performing midfielder is back and is expected to play, barring another injury.&nbsp;

<h2>5. Terem Moffi in contention&nbsp;</h2>

Following his decent season with Lorient in Ligue 1, the 21-year-old striker is now in contention for a call-up.&nbsp;

Moffi has managed eight goals for Lorient this season and has been rewarded with a place on the standby-list.&nbsp;

Super Eagles of Nigeria (Instagram/Super Eagles)

Onuachu excluded, Musa included and other talking points.

5 talking points from the Super Eagles squad for Benin and Lesotho games

<h1>Nigerian striker Sadiq Umar who has been in-form for Spanish second-tier side Almeria, has been included in Gernot Rohr’s 24-man squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Lesotho for his maiden call-up.</h1>

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will, in March 2021, take on the Benin Republic and Lesotho on Saturday, 27 away and Tuesday, 30 at home, respectively.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, March 9, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released Rohr’s 24-man squad for the games, with Umar’s inclusion as the main highlight.&nbsp;

Super Eagles will play two games in March (Twitter/Super Eagles)

It’s been a long time for the 24-year-old who scored four goals for Nigeria’s U23, who won the bronze medal of the football category at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.&nbsp;

After a few years of a snag, he picked up form, which has continued this season with Almeria in Spain.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/nigerian-striker-sadiq-umar-nets-brace-in-almerias-copa-del-rey-win-in-the-round-of/ppzkgn8">The lanky striker</a> has scored 14 goals to aid Almeria’s promotion push to La Liga.

Umar is not the only debutant in the squad; Enyimba goalkeeper John Nobble has also been given a maiden call-up.&nbsp;

The squad has the regulars, with Francis Uzoho making a comeback after recovering from a lengthy injury.&nbsp;

Umar gets a Super Eagles call-up following his impressive season in Spain.

In-form striker Sadiq Umar gets maiden Super Eagles call-up as Gernot Rohr names 24 players for AFCON qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Lesotho

Sadiq Umar