Nigeria and Valencia striker Sadiq Umar<\/a> has been rewarded for his exceptional performances in March with nominations for two of La Liga\u2019s most prestigious awards, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Super Eagles<\/a> forward is among the contenders for the La Liga Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards, following his immediate impact since joining Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad.<\/p>\n Despite one round of fixtures still remaining in March, La Liga<\/a> has announced the final shortlist for the Player of the Month, with Sadiq making the cut alongside Real Madrid\u2019s<\/a> Kylian Mbapp\u00e9, Real Betis playmaker Isco, Celta Vigo\u2019s Marcos Alonso, and Rayo Vallecano\u2019s Pedro D\u00edaz.<\/p>\n \u2014 LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 19, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Sadiq has played a crucial role in Valencia\u2019s revival following their humiliating 7-1 defeat to Barcelona<\/a> in February.<\/p>\n Since then, Valencia have clawed their way back into the fight for La Liga survival, collecting 12 points in their last seven games\u2014one more than both Atl\u00e9tico Madrid and Real Madrid over the same period.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/strong><\/p>\n Valencia\u2019s resurgence has been largely driven by the attacking duo of Sadiq and Diego L\u00f3pez. The pair have combined to score all of the club\u2019s goals in their last five La Liga matches, with Sadiq\u2019s contribution proving invaluable.<\/p>\n In the 1-1 draw against Villarreal, the Nigerian salvaged a crucial point with a well-taken header. Though Valencia suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Atl\u00e9tico Madrid, they bounced back in stunning fashion against Osasuna in early March.<\/p>\n That match saw Sadiq score twice, including a breathtaking backheel equaliser in the 87th minute that earned Valencia a dramatic 3-3 draw. His audacious finish from Sergi Can\u00f3s\u2019 low cross stunned the Osasuna defence and left the goalkeeper with no chance \u2014 a goal that is now a strong contender for La Liga\u2019s Goal of the Month award.<\/p>\n Sadiq continued his fine form by netting in Valencia\u2019s 2-0 victory over Valladolid, capitalising on a defensive error to seal the win after L\u00f3pez had opened the scoring.<\/p>\n With three goals in March, Sadiq has outscored most of his rivals for the Player of the Month award. Only Mbapp\u00e9, who also scored three times for Real Madrid, matches his tally. Meanwhile, Isco and Alonso have each netted twice, with D\u00edaz managing just one goal.<\/p>\n While Mbapp\u00e9 and Sadiq are the big favourites for the Player of the Month honour given his high-profile status, the Super Eagles striker is the frontrunner for the Goal of the Month prize. His sublime backheel against Osasuna is widely considered the standout strike from the nominees.<\/p>\n\n
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Soccer Umar Sadiq: Valencia\u2019s key man<\/h2>\n
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Soccer How Sadiq stacks up against the competition<\/h2>\n
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