Nigeria international and Valencia striker Sadiq Umar has admitted that he is seriously considering bringing his time with the Super Eagles to an end, although he insists that no final decision has been made regarding his international future.
The forward revealed that he is currently reflecting on the next phase of his career and will use the coming months to determine whether continuing with the national team remains the best option for him.
Speaking during an interview with Radio France International Hausa, Umar explained that he intends to wait until the start of the new season before making any definitive announcement, stressing that several personal and professional factors must be considered before arriving at a conclusion.
According to the former Almeria striker, the decision is not one he intends to rush, as he wants to carefully evaluate what will help him maintain consistency and prolong his playing career at the highest level.
“I am thinking about retiring from international football, but I have not reached a final decision yet,” Umar said.
“I want to wait until the new season begins before deciding what is best for my future. There are many things I need to consider carefully.”
The 29-year-old also addressed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a disappointment that continues to generate debate among football supporters and analysts across the country.
While acknowledging the frustration surrounding the missed opportunity, Umar avoided pointing fingers at any individual or department within Nigerian football. Instead, he urged everyone connected with the national team to shift their attention toward future objectives.
The striker noted that dwelling on past setbacks would not change the outcome and emphasized the importance of preparing adequately for the next World Cup cycle.
“I cannot point to one particular reason why we failed to qualify,” he explained.
“That chapter is already behind us now. The most important thing is to learn from it and begin focusing on the next World Cup, even though it is still four years away.”
Umar also responded to questions about his recent absence from the Super Eagles squad, a situation that has led to speculation among supporters regarding his standing within the national team setup.
The Valencia forward dismissed suggestions of any controversy, insisting that competition for places remains extremely high because of the abundance of talented Nigerian players currently performing across Europe and other major leagues.
According to him, national team selections are based on the needs of the coaching staff, and he fully respects the decisions made by those in charge.
“I was simply not selected,” he stated.
“Maybe my style does not fit what the coaches are looking for at the moment, or perhaps there are other players who are doing very well and deserve the opportunity.”
“Nigeria has so many talented footballers, and competition for places is always intense. That is normal in a national team.”
When asked whether age or motivation could influence his retirement decision, Umar revealed that his long-term ambitions in football are playing a major role in his thinking.
The striker explained that he wants to make decisions that will allow him to remain competitive for many more years, pointing to the longevity of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as a source of inspiration.
Umar noted that maintaining physical condition, managing workload and staying focused on club football are all factors he must evaluate before determining whether continuing with the Super Eagles remains feasible.
“I still have enough time to think about it properly,” he added.
“That is why I want to wait until the new season starts before making a final decision. I need to consider what will help me stay focused on my career and continue playing football for as long as possible, just as Cristiano Ronaldo has done.”
Umar has represented Nigeria at various levels and has been part of several Super Eagles squads over the years. However, injuries, competition for places and changing tactical preferences have limited his opportunities in recent seasons.
With Nigeria already turning its attention toward future international competitions, the coming months could prove decisive in determining whether the Valencia attacker continues his journey with the national team or chooses to bring his Super Eagles career to a close.
For now, Umar’s focus remains on preparing for the new club season, after which he is expected to make a final decision on his international future.
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