Super Eagles star stunned by call-up reflects on NPFL triumph with Remo Stars

Super Eagles and Remo Stars forward, Sikiru Alimi, has revealed his delight after he was called up to the Nigerian National team after winning the NPFL with his club side, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old scored five goals in 29 league appearances for Remo Stars, helping them lift their maiden league title.

To add further stars to his crown, Sikiru was invited alongside two of his club teammates [Sodiq Ismaila and Junior Nduka] to Eric Chelle's squad for the 2025 Unity Cup.

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The former Shooting Stars striker started Nigeria's game against Ghana in the Unity Cup semi-final, and the feeling was surreal for him.

“We were really happy getting the call-up, but I definitely wasn't expecting to start the game with the calibre of players.  I was expecting maybe we'll get some minutes during the game, but the coach knows what he wants, and he started the game, and at least, we made it count, and I know it was a good one for us.

The atmosphere back home, our teammates, they were congratulatory messages flying here and there, and I know we made them proud,” the 29-year-old told Soccernet.ng.

Alimi was a part of the Remo Stars team that came up five points short in the NPFL last season, losing the league to Rangers International.

They clinched the title this season, and the striker was glad he was a part of the squad that made history, heaping praise on the coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, who's also Eric Chelle's assistant.

“We've been long-term favourites to win the title. We worked hard for it. It was something we prepared for, like, you know, a couple of seasons that we, we came short, second.

“At the beginning of the season, we made it clear even to our new players coming in that this is our target, and I was very glad we made it count and we got the lead.

“I think having a working relationship with my coach is a very good one for me as a player. Getting a coach to trust you and to believe in what you do. So I've been like that guy from the first season, and I think our working relationship has been really solid,” the NPFL winner concluded.

The lanky striker didn't feature in the Unity Cup final against Jamaica, but laid his hands on another silverware as the Super Eagles clinched victory against the Reggae Boyz on penalties.