Remo Stars’ Sodiq Ismail’s Super Eagles Call-Up Sparks Hope for NPFL Players – Soname speaks
New Nigerian head coach, Finidi George named three NPFL players in his first squad for the games vs South Africa and Benin Republic.
Kunle Soname, President of Remo Stars Football Club and owner of Bet9ja, has expressed optimism and pride following Sodiq Ismail’s call-up to the Super Eagles.
This development is seen as a beacon of hope for players in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The inclusion of home-based players in the Super Eagles squad has been a rare occurrence in recent times. However, the appointment of Finidi George as coach has brought about a change, with NPFL talents once again being considered for national duty.
Injuries within the national team’s defense created an opportunity for Sodiq Ismail, a standout player for Remo Stars of Ikenne, to be called up. His selection for the 23-man squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and South Africa has been met with widespread acclaim.
Kunle Soname highlighted the importance of this move for local league players in a statement to The Encounter. “It’s a good development, no doubt. It will further encourage the local ones to put in a bit more effort. It’s also an encouragement to know that all their efforts are not going unnoticed and people are looking at them, they are watching, and they are good enough to be selected. So it’s a good encouragement for them,” Soname said.
Reflecting on Sodiq’s selection, Soname expressed optimism about the young player’s potential contributions to the Super Eagles. “It is good news. But what is more important is for him to go there as a young kid to make his name and make a meaningful contribution to the team because that’s the most important thing,” he added.
