'Eager to make a strong contribution' - Ismail Sodiq reacts to his first Super Eagles call-up

Remo Stars defender Ismail Sodiq has reacted to his first call up to the Super Eagles having been handed his maiden invitation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

Sodiq was one of the six defenders invited by coach Finidi George ahead of the vital back-to-back qualification games next month.

He has been one of the standout players for Remo Stars, particularly in the Nigeria Premier Football League, registering double figures of assists in the past two seasons.

With Nottingham Forest fullback Ola Aina not being selected for the clash against Bafana Bafana and the Squirrels, the Remo Stars fullback has been given a chance to impress.

The defender has taken to social media to express his happiness and gratitude upon being handed the chance to represent the three-time African champions for the first time. 

"I'm thrilled to receive my first national team 🇳🇬 call-up! I'm eager to give my all and make a strong contribution. 

"I am most grateful and thanks to the @thenff & and the coaching crew of the @NGSuperEagles for the opportunity,"he wrote on his X account 

However,the Nigeria-based fullback faces an uphill task to beat the more experienced Bright Osayi-Samuel to a place in the starting lineup.

The Fenerbahçe defender has been picked whenever Aina has been unavailable and has also been named in the starting lineup ahead of the latter at times.

Osayi-Samuel featured in five games at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and with a World Cup spot at stake, it is difficult to see him being dropped for Sodiq.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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