Super Eagles newest member Ismail Sodiq has been a consistent player for Remo Stars in the Nigeria Premier League.
The Remo Stars right-winger and rising star, has been quietly putting in decent performances for the NPFL side, establishing himself as a creative spark down the flank for Daniel Ogunmodede's outfit.
Ismail Sodiq’s growing reputation left Nigerian football followers: fans, pundits and coaches alike in a state of awe as to why the defender is yet to receive a deserved call-up to Nigeria's senior national football team.
However, after years of negligence, Super Eagles coach Finidi George–who has worked in the NPFL and knows the player's ability–extended an international invitation for Sodiq to the excitement of many Nigerians.
Congratulations, Sodiq Ismail, on your Super Eagles call-up❗️
With 20 assists across the last two NPFL campaigns, it was long overdue. pic.twitter.com/LW1XylUp0F
— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) May 24, 2024
6 things Nigerians should know about Ismail Sodiq
The Remo Stars defender is yet to have a Wikipedia page, but we have carefully put together some interesting facts about him below.
1. Ismail Sodiq state of origin
Although born in Lagos State, it is believed that Ismail Sodiq’s state of origin is Oyo State.
2. Ismail Sodiq age
As at the time of writing, Ismail Sodiq's age is 21 years. His date of birth is 13 August 2002, which means he will be 22 years in August, 2024.
3. Ismail Sodiq football career
Born and raised in Lagos State, Nigeria, the defender showcased his football talent in the streets of Lagos while playing with his friends and neighbours to hone his skills.
It was during one of his usual street football games that Ismail Sodiq's skills caught the attention of local scouts who recruited him to Remo Stars’ U15 side.
While at the U15 youth setup, the youngster, through determination and hardwork, rose through the ranks to earn a place in the club's first team.
Sodiq continued to grow in leaps and bounds to shortly establish himself as a first-choice player for the Sky Blue Stars in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) which he came close to winning during the 2022/23 season when Remo Stars finished second on goal difference in the Super Six playoffs.
Sodiq contributed eight assists in the 2022/23 abridged NPFL season and has already bagged 13 assists and 1 goal in the 2023/24 NPFL campaign at the time of writing.
MUST WATCH‼️
For those who’ve never heard of Sodiq Ismail:
“Allow me to reintroduce myself.”#NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/ZFivbBAxyY
— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) May 24, 2024
4. Ismail Sodiq is likened to Dani Alves
The right-back's ability to create chances and assist his teammates has sparked comparisons from fans and pundits alike to one of the game’s greatest right-backs, Barcelona legend Dani Alves.
Sodiq has mastered the act of defending and attacking, improving his versatility as both a right-back and a right-winger.
His pace and excellent crosses for Remo Stars into the opposition box is regarded as the best in Nigeria's domestic top-flight.
Remo Stars Academy head, Ajibolade Olumide had this to say about the defender:
“He is hardworking and has honed his craft for crosses. He definitely is the best right back in the league and balanced in his overall game. He is more of a Dani Alves sort of player, but with a work ethic of Azpilicueta.”
5. Ismail Sodiq international career
Following an excellent season with Remo Stars, Ismail Sodiq got his first senior call-up to the Super Eagles on 25 May 2024, ahead of Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
The 23 for WCQ vs South Africa and Benin in June #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/nW2NCZGDfU
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 25, 2024
At the time of his national invitation, Sodiq has registered 12 assists and 1 goal in 30 matches for Remo Stars in the NPFL.
6. Ismail Sodiq social media handles
The Remo Stars most cherished right-back does not shy away from the social media space, making his presence known and engaging his loyal followers and supporters with his posts.
Below are the various social media handles you can connect to the newest member of the Super Eagles, Ismail Sodiq.
X (formerly Twitter): @Sodiq_Ismail11
YouTube: @pick2-
Instagram: @sodiq_ismail2
LinkedIn: Ismail Sodiq
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 months ago
