Sadiq returns from injury to score Valencia's winner at Elche

Umar Sadiq marked his return from injury with the only goal as Valencia won 1-0 at Elche in LaLiga on Sunday. The Super Eagles striker started on the bench and came on for Pablo Maffeo in the 61st minute, according to Complete Sports.

Six minutes later he had the ball in the net. Sadiq finished off a quick break involving Javi Guerra and Arnaut Danjuma, cutting past his marker and striking with his left foot at the Manuel Martínez Valero.

The goal gave Valencia all three points and was their first win since Javier Aguirre took over in September, Complete Sports reported.

It also ended a frustrating spell for Sadiq, who had sat out Valencia's previous seven league matches against Barcelona, Sevilla, Alavés, Real Sociedad, Racing Santander, Athletic Club and Villarreal. Complete Sports put the layoff at about two months.

He has now scored twice in four league appearances this season.

What Aguirre said

Aguirre welcomed the striker back but was not fully satisfied with the performance. He said his side should have added a second goal and noted that Elche also had their chances.

It's great news for everybody,

the Valencia coach said, according to the club's website. He added that the win felt good.

Beyond the goal, Sadiq gave Valencia a way to hold the ball up and bring teammates into play as they pushed up the pitch.

What happens next

Valencia's next league game is against Real Madrid. Aguirre said his players need no extra motivation for that one.

We're playing against one of the best teams, and hopefully we can put in a good performance,

he said.

For Sadiq, the priority is staying fit. A run of games now would help him push for a regular place at Valencia and keep him in shape for Nigeria, whose fans have waited a long time to see him lead the line for the Super Eagles.