Football
Nigeria's Daniel Alves: Sodiq Ismail Reflects on NPFL Season, Super Eagles Debut, and Future Ambitions
Nigerian footballer Sodiq Ismail, dubbed Nigeria's Daniel Alves, reflects on his successful NPFL season, his Super Eagles debut, and future ambitions. Learn about his performance, call-up experience, and personal insights in this exclusive interview.
Image Credits: Linkedin Nigeria
Sodiq Ismail, also known as Nigeria's Daniel Alves, is a well-known name in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) due to his attacking prowess as a right wing-back for Remo Stars Football Club.
He has been nicknamed after the Brazilian footballer, Daniel Alves, for his impressive performances similar to the Brazilian's.
Sodiq Ismail is recognized for his consistent attacking plays down the flank, providing assists to his strikers, and his expertise in set-piece plays from dead balls.
The right wing-back, who has the highest number of assists among the defensive players in the league for the past three seasons, discussed his performance in the NPFL, his recent call-up to the Nigerian national team, and more.
Sodiq Ismail in The NPFL 2023/24 Season
In the recently concluded NPFL season, Sadiq achieved 13 assists and scored a goal. He attributes his success to his coach, who recognized his potential and promoted him from the youth team to the Senior side.
"I owe my thanks to my coach. He saw my potential and has helped me become the player I am today," he told SportsBoom.com.
Sodiq expressed his satisfaction with his accomplishments in the league and his determination to achieve more.
I'm pleased with being the defensive player with the most assists in the league, but I believe there's more to come, and I can improve.
Sodiq Ismail
He further explained his mindset on the pitch, emphasizing his focus on assisting the strikers, which he considers crucial. "It's what I'm known for and what I do best," he added.
Sadiq also revealed his pre-match ritual, which involves seeking prayers from his mother for his games.
"Before any of my games, I always talk to my mom to pray for me."
He also shared one of the most valuable pieces of advice given to him by his club coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, as he left for the national team camp.
"He advised me not to be scared of anyone, to always be brave, and to trust in myself. I think that advice worked well for me."
Image Credit: Pulse Sports Nigeria
Surprise Call-Up and Camp Experience
Sodiq was pleasantly surprised by his first call-up to the Nigeria Senior Men's National Football Team, the Super Eagles.
"My call-up to the Super Eagles of Nigeria was a dream come true, even if I never thought it could happen so soon. Alhamdulillah."
He shared that his loved ones were overjoyed by the news, as it was unexpected.
During the national team camp, the wing-back enjoyed interacting off the field with players such as Samuel Chukwueze, Yusuf Alhassan, Ibrahim Olawoyin, Lookman Ademola, and Ojo Olorunleke. He also spoke positively about the relationships between home-based and foreign-based players in the camp, emphasizing the absence of discrimination.
Debut With the Super Eagles
Sodiq mentioned the similarity in playing style between his club coach and his former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George.
During his debut in the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Benin Republic, he was tasked by the coach to make an impact off the bench in the second half.
"I was thrilled when I was called upon to prepare for the game. I knew I could do it and didn't feel pressured."
He described the coach's clear instruction and expressed disappointment in the loss but still cherished the opportunity to represent his country.
"The coach's instruction for me in the game was simple and clear; He told me, Ismail, when you have the ball just deliver it inside the box."
"The loss was a very painful one for us because, it was a match we should have won but, you know in football anything can happen.
"It was an honour to represent my country, and I believe it will significantly benefit my career."
Shocked at Finidi's Exit, and Playing with a New Manager
Sodiq expressed deep disappointment at his previous coach's resignation and looked forward to learning from the new manager.
"I'm saddened by the coach's resignation. I hope to learn from the new manager, and his team when they come on board."
Favourite Position If Allowed to Choose, and Areas to Improve
Sodiq expressed his preference for playing as a "Pivot," based on his experience playing midfield during his high school years. He also highlighted the areas of his game that he feels need improvement.
"The part of my game I need to improve on definitely would be my shooting from outside the box."
Gbemidepo Popoola, is a freelance Sport Journalist with multiple years of experience in Writing, Reportage and Broadcasting. Gbemidepo's major concentration is telling the local Nigerian Sporting stories, in its own Unique way. This is because he believes, "no one, can tell our story better than ourselves".