Super Eagles assistant coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has showered praise on Enugu Rangers midfielder Saviour Isaac, calling him “one of the best midfielders in Nigeria” after his call-up to the national squad for the upcoming Unity Cup.
Isaac, 23, was included in the 26 man list announced for the friendly tournament but did not make the final cut for Nigeria’s match against Russia. Nevertheless, his form this season has not gone unnoticed.
Ilechukwu who also manages Isaac at club level commended the midfielder’s attitude and technical ability. “Saviour is one of the best midfielders in Nigeria presently, with almost ten goals and he’s not a striker. Most of his goals were from outside the box,” he said.
“He’s got the quality and capacity. I’m happy for him. He’s very humble and eager to learn under any coach. I believe he will go far in his career.”
Isaac has scored nine goals in 31 appearances in the Nigeria Premier Football League this season. One of his standout performances came against Kano Pillars, where he netted twice in a match captained by Super Eagles veteran Ahmed Musa.
In addition to his domestic success, Isaac featured in every qualifying round fixture for Rangers in the CAF Champions League. He also played a key role in the Super Eagles B team’s victory over Ghana to qualify for the African Nations Championship.
Editorial
Every now and then, a player emerges from the domestic league who demands national attention — not through hype, but through performance. Saviour Isaac is one of those rare talents, and it’s about time Nigerian football paid closer attention to homegrown brilliance.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: the next great Super Eagle doesn’t always have to come from Europe. Isaac’s nine goals from midfield in a physically demanding league speak volumes about his capability and footballing intelligence. And if anyone needed further validation, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has given it not just as a national team assistant, but as someone who works with Isaac daily.
What’s most impressive isn’t just his stats it’s his mindset. Humble, hardworking, and hungry to grow. That’s the type of player you want not just in your squad, but in your starting XI.
Let’s not waste this momentum. Let’s build a national system that properly integrates NPFL talent into the international framework. Isaac deserves more than a temporary call-up he deserves a real shot.
The message is simple reward consistency, not just geography. And if Nigeria is serious about developing a team that reflects the full spectrum of its footballing landscape, then Isaac should be at the centre of that plan.
Did You Know?
- Saviour Isaac’s brace against Kano Pillars included a 30-yard screamer that won Goal of the Month in the NPFL.
- He began his football journey with a grassroots academy in Nsukka before joining Rangers’ youth system.
- Isaac has played over 100 professional matches despite being only 23 years old.
- He was part of the Rangers squad that ended the club’s 32 year league title drought in 2016 as a youth team trainee.
- The Unity Cup is designed to give exposure to domestic-based players and strengthen their transition to the senior national team.
