Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar says he is seriously weighing the possibility of stepping away from international football after Nigeria fell short of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Valencia striker, speaking with Radio France Internationale Hausa, stopped short of confirming a final call, adding that he intends to assess his options once the new club season gets underway.
Umar, who is 29, said any decision will be shaped by what he believes is best for his career direction and his long-term physical condition.
“I am contemplating retirement from the Nigerian national team, but I will make a final decision when the new season begins,” Umar said.
Umar reacts to Nigeria’s World Cup setback
Looking back on the disappointment of another World Cup qualifying failure, the striker acknowledged the blow has been difficult to process, but argued it is now time to move attention forward.
“I cannot specifically identify the reason for our failure, but that is now in the past. We must focus on the next World Cup, which is four years away.”
Why he may have missed recent national-team plans
Umar also addressed questions about his recent absence from the Super Eagles, dismissing claims that the issue was linked to any dispute with the coaching staff.
“Perhaps my profile does not fit what they need at the moment. There are other players performing well because Nigeria is blessed with enormous talent,” he explained.
The forward further insisted that age is not the central factor, emphasizing instead that the next phase of his career must be handled with care.
“I want to think carefully about what will help me focus on my career and stay in football for a long time, like Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Umar’s comments are expected to reignite discussion about the future of Nigeria’s national team as the Super Eagles prepare for another rebuilding phase following a further painful campaign in World Cup qualifying.
