Super Eagles new star Sodiq Ismail celebrates first call with 13th assist for Remo Stars in 5-goal thriller

Sodiq Ismail celebrated his maiden Super Eagles call-up with another eye-catching assist but it wasn't enough to prevent Remo Stars from suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat to Kwara United in a five-goal thriller.

The versatile wing-back, who was included in Finidi George's first Nigeria squad this week, played a key role in the Sky Blues' late fightback at the Kwara Stadium on Sunday.

With Remo trailing 3-0 in the closing stages, Ismail received the ball and picked out Franck Mawuena, who reduced the deficit with just two minutes remaining.

It was Ismail's 13th assist of the season, further underlining his creative prowess from the right flank. However, the late rally proved in vain as Kwara held on for all three points, dealing a blow to Remo's title aspirations.

Despite the disappointment of the result, Ismail will no doubt take plenty of confidence from his latest impressive display ahead of linking up with the Super Eagles for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

The Remo academy graduate will be hoping to carry his club form onto the international stage as he aims to make a strong impression and cement his place in Finidi's plans for the upcoming matches.