SODIQ ISMAIL.... First SE Call Up and things to know.

[Enugu II]

Finidi George names NPFL wing-back with 12 assists dubbed Nigerian Dani Alves in first Super Eagles squad
https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/sto ... 9071775580
Izuchukwu Akawor • 20:07 - 24.05.2024



Super Eagles coach Finidi George has named his first squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and it's a mix of familiar faces and new talent led by NPFL star Sodiq Ismail.

The standout inclusion in Finidi's 23-man squad is Sodiq, the Remo Stars defender who has been turning heads in the Nigerian Premier Football League, NPFL, with a remarkable 12 assists this season.

Finidi lists Ismail in Super Eagles list

The Remo Stars defender’s exceptional performances have earned him the moniker "the Nigerian Dani Alves" from one of Nigeria’s best youth coaches, and now he will have the chance to showcase his talents on the international stage.

“He is hardworking and has honed his craft for crosses,” Ajibolade Olumide told Pulse Sports during a chat. “He definitely is the best right back in the league and balanced in his overall game."

Born and raised in Lagos, Sodiq's journey to the top has been an inspiring one. After honing his skills on the streets, the young defender earned a place in the Remo Stars academy, where he has blossomed into one of the league's standout performers.

Sodiq's inclusion underlines Finidi's desire to inject fresh blood into the Super Eagles setup as they begin their quest to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.


The wing-back will join the likes of Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Ademola Lookman in the squad, as Nigeria faces a tough opener against South Africa's Bafana Bafana on June 7th, followed by a trip to Benin Republic four days later.

Sodiq will be determined to seize his chance and make a strong impression on the international stage, as he looks to follow in the footsteps of his "Nigerian Dani Alves" moniker.

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

He’s very good at crossing the ball but he hardly ever runs with the ball or take defenders on from the clips I’ve seen of him. WB is all about lungs, speed skill and tenacity. Hope he has it in him. Danny Alves had more than crossing.

[Tobi17]

He’s very good at crossing the ball but he hardly ever runs with the ball or take defenders on from the clips I’ve seen of him. WB is all about lungs, speed skill and tenacity. Hope he has it in him. Danny Alves had more than crossing.

I've not seen you this critical of player invitations since a local coach took over, you twerked at every call up Pisseiro made

[vancity eagle]

The call makes sense given Ainas injury and given his assist potential, as well as Ebuehi generally being poor for SE of late.

This is the kind of homebased call up that makes sense, and we don't need a QUOTA to do it.

That Tanzania guy make no sense tbh.

[Tobi17]

The call makes sense given Ainas injury and given his assist potential, as well as Ebuehi generally being poor for SE of late.

This is the kind of homebased call up that makes sense, and we don't need a QUOTA to do it.

That Tanzania guy make no sense tbh.

Taminu balled against Ghana, go watch the game again. We can agree about the possible agent involvement part, but his call up isn't particularly out of place.

[vancity eagle]

The call makes sense given Ainas injury and given his assist potential, as well as Ebuehi generally being poor for SE of late.

This is the kind of homebased call up that makes sense, and we don't need a QUOTA to do it.

That Tanzania guy make no sense tbh.

Taminu balled against Ghana, go watch the game again. We can agree about the possible agent involvement part, but his call up isn't particularly out of place.

It doesn't matter what he did. There is no reason a player from Tanzania should be called over the plethora of defenders we have.

He did ok. Balling is going a little too far.

We played a 2nd string Ghana side down to 10 men. And Ghanas first team has been very poor lately.

[Tobi17]

The call makes sense given Ainas injury and given his assist potential, as well as Ebuehi generally being poor for SE of late.

This is the kind of homebased call up that makes sense, and we don't need a QUOTA to do it.

That Tanzania guy make no sense tbh.

Taminu balled against Ghana, go watch the game again. We can agree about the possible agent involvement part, but his call up isn't particularly out of place.

It doesn't matter what he did. There is no reason a player from Tanzania should be called over the plethora of defenders we have.

He did ok. Balling is going a little too far.

We played a 2nd string Ghana side down to 10 men. And Ghanas first team has been very poor lately.

Taminu did well against the likes of Nuamah, Forson and Semenyo who are really good players (watch how they balled against the Uganda defence). Taminu pretty much made light work of those guys so give him his credit.

We are so obsessed with personnel and names that we overlook the most fundamental aspect: The tactical input and ability of the coach...won't make a shitload of difference if we called up all the players you want and yet play rubbish due to bad coaching. I'm more concerned if Finidi has made done his homework by reviewing those friendly games, and improved his decision making (like using his subs on time and starting the right players etc), than which fancy name he invited or not.

[TonyTheTigerKiller]

The call makes sense given Ainas injury and given his assist potential, as well as Ebuehi generally being poor for SE of late.

This is the kind of homebased call up that makes sense, and we don't need a QUOTA to do it.

That Tanzania guy make no sense tbh.

Taminu balled against Ghana, go watch the game again. We can agree about the possible agent involvement part, but his call up isn't particularly out of place.

It doesn't matter what he did. There is no reason a player from Tanzania should be called over the plethora of defenders we have.

He did ok. Balling is going a little too far.

We played a 2nd string Ghana side down to 10 men. And Ghanas first team has been very poor lately.

I don’t know if it’s just your psychological makeup but I don’t know why you have this huge inferiority complex. Football is played with two feet and a pair of boots everywhere, wether it’s in Europe or elsewhere. Playing in Europe does not provide any technical advantages that one doesn’t already have. The only thing that counts is one’s God given talent and how well one can respond to coaching. So, feel free to take your bitching about Tanzania into za oza room with you


Cheers.

[olu]

I thought he was a RB. Can he also play WB? Not every RB automatically makes a good WB.

[ANC]

Dont know this Sodiq from adam, but for sure, Finidi is making the right moves already.
You cannot tell me that the best materials for SE are all foreign born Nigerians.

[Ayo Akinfe]

Is Sodiq Ismail a rightback or a leftback?

[Bigpokey24]

[ANC]

this is good

[Damunk]

I love this.

[Undertaker]

The player said "Inshallah" and the coach said "In Jesus name"

[fajex]

this is good

Awesome group dynamics

[Enugu II]

Is Sodiq Ismail a rightback or a leftback?

Ayo

Anyone who can play as wingback can do so from both wings. It is not a big deal. Aina is a classic example but he is not the only one.

[The YeyeMan]

Is Sodiq Ismail a rightback or a leftback?

Ayo

Anyone who can play as wingback can do so from both wings. It is not a big deal. Aina is a classic example but he is not the only one.

Huh?

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

Is Sodiq Ismail a rightback or a leftback?

Ayo

Anyone who can play as wingback can do so from both wings. It is not a big deal. Aina is a classic example but he is not the only one.

Huh?

[Enugu II]

Is Sodiq Ismail a rightback or a leftback?

Ayo

Anyone who can play as wingback can do so from both wings. It is not a big deal. Aina is a classic example but he is not the only one.

Huh?

Yep. It isn't a big issue. Remember, these are not recreational players who can only use one foot. The challenge of positional comfort is not insurmountable. Same thing as a winger can and have played as wing backs.

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

Does anybody have a scouting report on him? I know he can cross but what else does he do well? Just asking ….

[olu]

Not every player can switch wings as comfortably as Aina. Most actually have difficulty with it. Iwobi could be another option as a left or right wingback, tho I think we need him more centrally. He's played as a WB for Everton in the past. I could also see Fisayo Dele-Bashiru doing well as a RWB.

Is Sodiq Ismail a rightback or a leftback?

Ayo

Anyone who can play as wingback can do so from both wings. It is not a big deal. Aina is a classic example but he is not the only one.

Huh?

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

Not every player can switch wings as comfortably as Aina. Most actually have difficulty with it. Iwobi could be another option as a left or right wingback, tho I think we need him more centrally. He's played as a WB for Everton in the past. I could also see Fisayo Dele-Bashiru doing well as a RWB.

Is Sodiq Ismail a rightback or a leftback?

Ayo

Anyone who can play as wingback can do so from both wings. It is not a big deal. Aina is a classic example but he is not the only one.

Huh?

WB is the most physically demanding position on the pitch, it’s rare that both last 90mins due to work rate. Playing WB in the cold weather vs Everton is not the same as playing WB in the humid conditions. This might the real reason why Finidi picked Sodiq. He can play WB and he’s acclimated to the conditions. I certainly wouldn’t play Iwobi as a WB v SA.