Sodiq Ismail was ignored by Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro despite establishing himself as the best creative hub in the NPFL at Remo Stars.
Super Eagles’ manager, Jose Peseiro’s omission of Remo Stars’ wing-back, Sodiq Ismail, and other NPFL players from Nigeria’s 40-man provisional squad for the AFCON2023 has raised deserved eyebrows.
But the most perplexing is the exclusion of Ismail despite an outstanding performance and consistency.
08:43 - 25.05.2024
EXCLUSIVE Sodiq Ismail: The Nigerian Dani Alves who deserved Super Eagles call
Beyond Limits' manager Ajibolade Olumide believes the hardworking Sodiq Ismail has no equal in the NPFL and should be in the Nigeria Super Eagles.
08:16 - 28.12.2023
Heartland vs Remo Stars: Expert predictions and betting tips for matchday 16
A look at predictions and betting tips featuring NPFL leaders Remo Stars and troubled side Heartland.
Ismail’s Impact at Remo Stars
The talented fullback cum wing-back has played a pivotal role in Remo Stars’ rise to the top of the NPFL table this season. Ismail’s impressive form as a creative hub, with 10 assists, has been instrumental in the team’s success.
Quite notably, Super Eagles forward, Sikiru Alimi, has benefited significantly from Sodiq’s creative juice, with over 45% of his 11 goals assisted by the wing wizard.
Sodiq’s remarkable attacking prowess from the defense has not only become a recognisable feature in the NPFL, but a crucial factor behind Remo’s stunning form this season.
A case for Ismail’s Super Eagles Inclusion
Peseiro’s decision to leave this rising star from the provisional squad is not just bizarre considering his stellar form and versatility but hurts this write the most, especially after watching him deliver his latest assist for Alimi in the Football League.
Heading into the AFCON2023 tournament, Nigeria faces the challenge of an uninspiring and weak right wing that requires more creativity and bite.
“In Nigeria, they have great strikers and maybe they could use good wingers,” Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, said of right winger, Nathan Tella, following his maiden invitation to the national team.
Ismail, though not a winger like Tella, with his well-rounded skill set, is capable of fulfilling this role effectively. His track record of consistency, durability, and minimal history of injuries or suspensions further underscores his reliability as a key player.
While familiar faces like Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Tyronne Ebuehi have received expected invitations, Ismail’s exclusion is utterly unjust when you consider some of the problems he can solve for the team.
His proficiency in both defensive and offensive contributions makes him a valuable asset, especially when you factor in the team’s need for skilled wingers who can provide the necessary ammunition for star forwards Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface.
Omitting a player of Sodiq Ismail’s calibre, with his potential to be invaluable in Ivory Coast, is not only a significant oversight by everyone involved but also an irresponsible decision.
As the Super Eagles aim to end the 10-year AFCON title drought, which was last won in 2013, with Sunday Mba, Gabriel Reuben and Godfrey Oboabona from the NPFL making appreciable impacts, Ismail’s inclusion could have armed Peseiro with the necessary creativity and bite on that right needed to achieve NFF’s famous AFCON2023 goal “Let’s Do It Again”.
Related content
00:32 - 29.12.2023
Next Victor Osimhen? Amuneke backs Tottenham star to match Super Eagles hero
Emmanuel Amuneke has praised African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen but says a Tottenham forward is the next big thing on the continent.
18:24 - 28.12.2023
Emmanuel Amuneke: Growing is difficult — Super Eagles coach explains why his Barcelona career was underwhelming
Emmanuel Amuneke talks about his time at Barcelona and why he struggled.
07:50 - 29.12.2023
Nigerian icon backs youthful Super Eagles to shine at AFCON, urges patience
Nigeria Super Eagles are looking to end a 10-year wait for the AFCON title in Cote d'Ivoire.
18:20 - 28.12.2023
Remo Stars suffer embarrassing heavy defeat to crisis-ridden Heartland
Kennedy Boboye and Heartland pulled off the shock of matchday 16 against NPFL leaders Remo Stars in Owerri.
16:28 - 28.12.2023
AFCON2023: Talk is cheap — Asisat Oshoala counters Yaya Toure's Super Eagles prediction
Super Falcons ace Asisat Oshoala disagreed with Yaya Toure's AFCON Group A predictions, which prophesy the Super Eagles doom.
14:20 - 28.12.2023
AFCON2023: Nigeria among top 5 nations with most tickets sold, CAF reveals
Nigeria's Super Eagles are looking to end a 10-year wait for another AFCON at the 2023 edition slated for Cote d'Ivoire.
13:45 - 28.12.2023
Stay focused - Amuneke warns Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen against effect of fame
Nigeria Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is the current African Football Player of the Year.
11:04 - 28.12.2023
John Obi Mikel Confident in Nigeria's Chances at AFCON 2023: 'We Are Always the Favourites
As the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 draws closer, the buzz around the tournament is palpable.
08:16 - 28.12.2023
Heartland vs Remo Stars: Expert predictions and betting tips for matchday 16
A look at predictions and betting tips featuring NPFL leaders Remo Stars and troubled side Heartland.