Sadiq Umar of Spanish club UD Almería speaks about his heroes, growing up and his career.
SCORENIGERIA: Some people ask is Sadiq from Kaduna or Taraba, please tell Nigerians where you are from?
SADIQ UMAR: I was born and grew up in Kaduna.
In a family of how many?
I grew up in a family of two boys and three girls.
Where did you start from?
Yes, I started my nursery school from nursery one to SS3 in the Standard Foundation.
Who bought you your first pair of boots?
It was my late uncle who bought it for me, his name is Mohammed Nayara.
What did you do with your first professional football sign-on fees?
I sent it home for my daddy to use it just to fix the house and I don’t know what he did with the rest.
Who was your first coach?
He works with the military now, his name is Halilu Kusho, I remembered during the under-13 training, even if it’s raining he used to come to our house to force us to go and train, and today I thank God for where I am.
Who were heroes in football?
To be honest, in those days watching Ronaldinho of Brazil was something that pleased me. I like Garba Lawal, Daniel Amokachi, and Tijjani Babaginda.
Which team you will say before you quit football you will love to play for?
You know, as a young boy we were always watching English Premier League. I love Manchester United.
So, what was the feeling playing against Manchester United in the Europa League?
It was an emotional game for me seeing me playing at Old Trafford. It was something else, I can’t describe the feeling.
Fans now want you to be given your chance with the Super Eagles. How ready are you should the opportunity come?
For now, Nigeria have a lot of talents, but all I know is that my future is bright. For now, I am focused on my club before we see what would happen.
Described two things that you have a phobia for and two things that you want to live for?
I am scared of losing my mum because all I have now is my mum, my dad is gone five years ago and I live for my mum, for my daughter and for my brother as well as to help the poor.
