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By: Ebenezer Bajela.
Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq could make his UEFA Champions League debut for Spanish club, Real Sociedad, when they take on Inter Milan in their Group C game on Wednesday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The White and Blues, as they are fondly called, face the Italian side in their first game at the Reale Arena.
The Nerazzurri reached the final of last season’s competition, before just falling short against Manchester City, while their hosts enter Europe’s premier tournament for the first time in 10 years.
Sociedad earned a place in the Champions League group stage this season thanks to their fourth-place finish in LaLiga last time around, as Imanol Alguacil’s side amassed 71 points from 38 outings.
The 2023/24 season is the fifth time Sociedad are competing in the prestigious club competition but it is the Nigerian’s first.
The 26-year-old striker joined La Real from Almeria last season before suffering a season-ending injury.
Back from the injury he suffered, Sadiq has played a total of 107 minutes across five LaLiga games and has been named in the Sociedad match-day squad against Inter.
Sadiq, while recuperating from the injury in June, said he couldn’t wait to make his debut in the Champions League in the colours of Sociedad.
“The season has finished and #wechampionsleaguelikethat,” Sadiq wrote on Instagram.
“It gives me great pride to be part of this team, I’ve been here for some months but it seems like I’ve been here for lots of years, thanks to my teammates for making it easy for me even if it’s not easy.
“Thanks to the medical staff and my coaches for being beside me during my rehab and putting a smile on my face when I was feeling worried.
“That is what makes me understand that LA REAL is a family. Y’all are so special and I hope next year will be more special. See you soon.”
The striker now has the opportunity of making his debut against the Premier League club today.