Remo Stars sensation Sodiq Ismail has been quietly making waves with the NPFL team, leaving coaches, fans, and analysts asking why he hasn’t been wearing the coveted Super Eagles shirt.
Ismail has drawn comparisons to one of the best full-backs in history, Dani Alves, because of his ability to create chances.
Sodiq Ismail’s early life
Sodiq was born and raised in Lagos State, Nigeria. Like many others in his neighborhood, he began his career on the streets.
Due to his raw talent and determination, he was noticed by local scouts and was accepted as a u-15 starlet into Remo Stars.
Since then, the youngster has worked his way up to become the Sky Blues’ first-choice starter in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
According to Transfer Market, Ismail has contributed a total of 18 assists in 48 NPFL appearances for Remo stars.
Sodiq Ismail’s comparison with Dani Alves
Rated as the best in the NPFL, Sodiq Ismail has gained recognition for his speed and, more significantly, his natural ability to assist his forwards.
Ajibolade Olumide, Remo Stars Academy supremo, had talked highly of the full-back and his amazing qualities, giving a better insight to his abilities.
Coach Olumide compares Sodiq to the legendary Dani of Brazil and Barcelona, saying that he is a diligent player who has perfected his art for crosses and is among the best in the NPFL.
“He is hardworking and has honed his craft for crosses,” Olumide said.
“He definitely is the best right back in the league and balanced in his overall game.
Regarding his style of play, the Beyond Limits coach said that Sodiq is an hybrid of Alves and Caesar Azpilicueta, the former captain of Chelsea.
”He is more of a Dani Alves sort of player, but with a work ethic of Azpilicueta,” he added.
Sodiq Ismail earns first Super Eagles call-up
Sodiq Ismail’s undeniable talent has now earned him his first Super Eagles call-up under newly appointed headcoach Finidi George.
The Remo Stars creative full-back was one of two NPFL stars called up by new Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, to his first squad.
With 12 assists now in the NPFL, Ismail finds himself among the 23-man squad set to take on South Africa and Benin Republic in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Can Sodiq Ismail displace Ola Aina from the right-back position?
Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina, who has been a regular in the starting lineup for some time, is one of the Super Eagles’ consistent talents. Because of his versatility, he can play defense from both the right and left wing, which has earned a spot on the national team.
Aina’s distinctive qualities, which set him apart from many Nigerian full-backs, are his dribbling talents, bursting pace moving forward, and defensive solilidity.
However, Ismail also has unquestionable offensive skills and excellent defensive capabilities, but Aina beats him out for versatility. In this contrast, Remo Stars’ inventive skill gives Ismail the upper hand over Aina.
Given Aina’s special abilities, displacing the Nottingham Forest star from the right-back position may be a challenging assignment for Ismail, but it is not impossible given the Remo Stars creative hub’s distinctive attributes.
Will Sodiq Ismail displace Ola Aina from the right-back position? Only time will tell.
