The invitation of Remo Stars right-back Sodiq Ismail to the Super Eagles by coach Finidi George has been described as a door opener for other players at the club, as the 20-year-old defender is the first Remo Stars player to be invited into the men’s national team.
Ismail received his debut call-up last Friday when the Nigeria Football Federation released Finidi’s 23-man list for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. Nigeria will host Bafana Bafana in Uyo on June 7 before travelling to Ivory Coast to face Benin Republic on June 10.
The defender and Enyimba goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, alongside Enugu Rangers’ Kenneth Obinna Igboke are the three Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players on the list. Igboke was a late call-up following the withdrawal of Victor Osimhen from the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Ismail’s invitation didn’t come as a surprise to followers of the NPFL, thanks to the defender’s consistency, which puts him top of the goal providers’ chart with 13 assists to his name after 31 games this season. The closest player to him on the chart is Kazeem Ogunleye of Rangers with six assists.
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The defender’s quality is his impeccable crosses, which have been constantly turned into goals by the club’s strikers. After providing six assists in just 10 games last season, he started the 2023/24 season from where he stopped and raced to 10 assists in the new season by December, when the league proceeded on the Yuletide break. He has added three more since then, and his contribution has propelled Remo Stars’ chase for their first-ever NPFL title, although they trail leaders Enugu Rangers by four points.
Finidi George, a UEFA Champions League winner with Ajax in 1995, was renowned for his crossing ability during his playing days, which his teammates converted into loads of goals at both club and country levels. Perhaps, Ismail may just be the new coach’s secret weapon waiting to be unleashed to the world.
Remo captain, Junior Nduka, described him as one of the best players in the league, who has the potential of becoming a mainstay in the national team.
“He is one of the best, if not the best in the league and with the highest assists. He delivers the ball anytime with precision; the (Eagles) attackers should just get ready,” Nduka said in an interview with Nigerian newspaper, The Punch.
“We were so happy when we heard the news because it shows that we are progressing in the league. This is our first invitation at Remo, and we are so happy. We wish the Super Eagles the best. The present coach knows what Ismail can do, and I know he will be part of the team in future if given the opportunity.”
Before their match-day 33 game against Kwara United, Remo coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, charged Ismail’s teammates to be inspired by the defender’s invitation.
“I’m proud of Remo Stars players because Ismail’s invitation would not be possible without the team,” Ogunmodede stated in a chat with the players. “We haven’t seen a player that made the list all by himself. We want to commend you for helping the team and helping yourself. It’s a big relief for the team, and it should also serve as motivation for the rest of the team.”
Ismail was promoted from the team’s academy in the 2019/20 season but didn’t feature as Remo were relegated back to the second tier. In the 2021/22 season, when the club returned to the first tier, he was in the squad but also didn’t feature under then-coach Gbenga Ogunbote. He waited till January 2023 before getting a chance and made his mark under Ogunmodede with six assists in 10 games.
Over the past one-and-a-half seasons, Ismail has been a consistent starter for the team and, with a player like Ola Aina out injured for the Eagles, his efficiency on the right side of defence makes him a perfect fit to replace the Nottingham Forest man.
