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What City People Found Out
There have been long-standing concerns about the lack of representation for Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL players in the national team setup amid doubts over the quality and standard of the domestic game.
Many doubted that the Super Eagles coach Finidi George would follow the part of his predecessor, Jose Paseiro in subbing NPFL players. Still, the former Ajax winger maintained his promise of taking home-based players and integrating them into the team.
City People recalls that George has promised to make Enyimba International Stadium his first point of call in search of home-based players for the Eagles.
In his farewell speech in Aba, Finidi revealed that he hopes to select at least one player from the People’s Elephant to play in the Super Eagles. “I will still come back to Aba to watch Enyimba play because I now have to mix the Super Eagles team up with the home-based players,” Finidi told the media in Aba. “Aba definitely will be my first destination when I come to watch Enyimba play. Most likely I will see one or two that I can take with me to the Super Eagles,” he said. The former Ajax winger also said that he lives in Nigeria and would go around in search of home-based players.
In his words: “They will have their time, like other good players we have in Europe. When the time comes for friendly matches, that will be the best time to have these players at home join others, mix them up, see them play, and perform.
“I live in Nigeria; I will go around. I will go there to watch these games and to pick talents. “So, I plan to go around to watch games,” he stated. “During my time (at Enyimba), I had seen a lot of good talents, and they will have their time to come on board. There is no doubt about that,” he said.
On his part, Augustine Eguavoen, former head coach of Super Eagles said that home-based players will get more opportunities under the new Super Eagles technical crew.
Eguavoen said that there have been persistent complaints over the neglect of home-based players in the Super Eagles in the past, only one local player, Ojo Olorunleke was included in the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote.
He, however, assured that the local players will be a part of the team regularly in the new dispensation. “There is a percentage of players from the domestic league who will always be part of the Super Eagles,” Eguavoen said at the unveiling ceremony of the new Super Eagles coach.
Having said that, the last two games against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and Cheetahs of Benin Republic for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers showed that the former Enyimba coach is a man of his word. Four home-based players made the 26-man squad for the two games which were played in Nigeria and Ivory Coast respectively.
Here, City People unveils the four home-based players invited to the Super Eagles
OLORUNLEKE OLUWASEGUN OJO MON
Ojo began his senior career with Giwa in 2013 and helped them win the Nigeria National League and achieve promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League in his debut season. He moved to Kano Pillars on 9 December 2014. He transferred to Akwa United in 2017, where he won the 2017 Nigeria Federation Cup and was given the MVP and Best Goalkeeper award for the cup.
In 2019, he moved to Sunshine Stars. After a season there, he had another year-long stint with Abia Warriors starting on 14 August 2020. In 2021, he transferred to Enyimba and eventually helped them win the 2022–23 Nigeria Professional Football League. On 3 August 2023, he was named the captain at Enyimba.
ISMAIL SODIQ
Sodiq, Remo Star’s rising star plays as a fullback. His ability to create chances and assist others as an emerging attacking full-back has sparked comparisons with one of the game’s greatest full-backs, Dani Alves.
Born and raised in Lagos State Nigeria, Sodiq’s journey started on the streets like many others in his neighbourhood. His raw talent and determination caught the attention of local scouts which saw him earn a place in Remo Stars as a U-15 starlet.
The youngster has since risen through the ranks to establish himself as a first-choice starter for the Sky Blues in the NPFL. Last season, he provided 8 assists in the abridged Football League season and has already assisted six goals in the eight-week-old 2023/24 campaign.
He has now come to be known for his pace and most importantly, an innate ability to assist his forwards, with the Remo star now regarded as the best in the NPFL. He offers versatility as he can play in some positions and is always looking to create chances for his teammates. Sodiq is also solid off the ball and not afraid to get stuck in and tackle hard.
His former coach and now Golden Eaglets assistant manager, Ajibolade Olumide, spoke glowingly about the full-back and his incredible attributes. Coach Olumide describes Sodiq as a hardworking player, who has honed his craft for crosses and the best in the NPFL before comparing him to Barcelona and Brazil great, Dani.
KENNETH IGBOKE
Igboke story is different from the other three. He was not initially selected until it was confirmed that Napoli’s prolific goal poacher, Victor Osimhen would be sidelined for crucial matches against South Africa and Benin.
At just 19 years old, Igboke has emerged as a rising star in Nigerian football. Hailing from Nsukka, Enugu State, Igboke’s journey to the national team is a testament to his talent and dedication. Having caught the eye of Rangers’ scouts while playing street football, Igboke has swiftly risen through the ranks to establish himself as a key player for the seven-time NPFL champions. Igboke’s prowess as an attacking left-back has been on full display this season, with standout performances and crucial goals contributing to Rangers’ success.
His ability to deliver precision crosses and solidify the defence has made him a fan favourite and a vital asset for both club and country. The 23-year-old Igboke has played 20 games for the NPFL leaders this season, scoring two goals plus one assist.
BENJAMIN TANIMU
Tanimu at just 21 years of age, this former Bendel Insurance defender recently transferred to Tanzanian side Ihefu Sports Club, and now, he finds himself on the brink of international stardom as he joins the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming friendly games against Ghana and Mali.
Born and raised in the ancient city of Benin, Tanimu’s footballing journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
From humble beginnings at local football clubs in Benin City to recently catching the eye of national team selectors, his rise has been meteoric. His time with Bendel Insurance served as the foundation for his burgeoning career, where he showcased his talent on the pitch.
Tanimu’s transfer to Ihefu Sports Club marks the next chapter in his footballing odyssey, as he embarks on a new adventure in the Tanzanian football landscape. The move not only demonstrates his ambition and determination to succeed but also underscores his potential to thrive on the international stage.
However, it is his call-up to the Super Eagles squad that truly solidifies his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects. Joining the ranks of seasoned veterans and established stars, Tanimu now has the opportunity to prove his worth on a national level.
His inclusion in the squad speaks volumes about his talent and potential however, he is no stranger to international football as he is a youth international for Nigeria at U23 level. For Tanimu, donning the green and white jersey of the Super Eagles is not just a dream come true but a testament to his dedication and hard work.
By Benprince Ezeh
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