Umar Sadiq has described scoring his first goal for the Super Eagles as a special moment for him and his family.
Sadiq opened his goals account for the Eagles when he scored in the 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday in Garoua.
The Almeria striker had come under heavy criticism following underwhelming displays in his first two games at the AFCON 2021.
But he answered his critics after slotting home a superb pass from Kelechi Iheanacho to put the 1-0 ahead.
The win saw the Austine Eguavoen-led side record their third win in Group D.
And speaking on NFF TV, Sadiq said:”It’s not easy game, every game in this tournament is a hard game they (Guinea-Bissau) came out to give everything. For me it’s a special moment for me and my family and thank you for supporting us.”
Sadiq explained that he was always calm and knew he would eventually score once he gets the opportunity.
“I’m calm always whenever I play and if I have one chance and don’t take it I know another one will come. I just have to keep being me and believing in myself.”
On the effort by the coach to integrate him and other young players into the squad:”The coach is trying to help everyone but most especially me and Nwakali because this is our first call-up to Super Eagles.
“He is just trying to put us more in the group and with being humble and calm I want to learn more because it’s a special feeling being with this lads.”
After getting his first goal for the Eagles, Sadiq was immediately replaced.
And reacting to the substitution, the 2016 Rio Olympic bronze medal winner said: ”Here in the Super Eagles whenever you see yourself playing one minute you have to appreciate it.”
He went on to urge Nigerian fans to keep supporting the team as they march on to the round of 16.
He added: ‘’Keep supporting us and be patient with us and hopefully we will keep giving you the result.”
