Sherrif Isa: Sokoto United in Enugu to make football history

Former junior international, Sheriff Isa (MON), has said Sokoto United are in Enugu to make history by winning a ticket to the Nigerian topflight. In this interview with Trust Sports, the former Kano Pillars star and member of the 2007 victorious Golden Eaglets spoke on the overwhelming government support for Sokoto United in the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 which kicks off today in Enugu and his struggle with the knee injury he sustained while playing for Chornomorets Odesa in Ukraine.

How prepared are Sokoto United for the NNL Super 8 playoff which begins tomorrow (today)?

We are fully prepared both physically and mentally for the challenge of the Super 8 playoff. We have just played our quarter-final match in the federation Cup. Unfortunately we lost to Abia Warriors on penalties but I am happy with the way we played. So, the federation Cup matches have prepared us for the Super 8. With the help of God, we are not going to disappoint our teeming fans.

How confident are you of victory in your opening match against Sporting Supreme of Abuja?

We have very high expectations because we need nobody to tell us that victory in the opening match is important. We want to start on a winning note to gain the right momentum. Sporting Supreme is a very good side but we are ready for them. We are going for the maximum points.

What is your assessment of the other clubs in the NNL playoff?

They are very good clubs with experienced players and coaches. We respect them because clubs like Nasarawa United and El-kanemi Warriors are far ahead of us in terms of their pedigree in Nigerian football. They deserve our respect but we won’t respect them on the field of play. Generally, the playoff is not going to be easy because it is a competition for the best eight clubs in the league.

How much support are Sokoto United enjoying from the government?

The support from our Governor and the Commissioner for sports has been massive. If not for their unflinching support, we wouldn’t have reached this level. The support is unwavering and we want to reciprocate by winning one of the NPFL tickets. We are ready for the challenge before us.

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What informed your decision to play for Sokoto United?

Many people didn’t know I am playing for Sokoto United. When they see me, they are like how come!? Last season, I accepted to come back and play for Sokoto United because we have this ambition to qualify the club to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). In the history of the state, we have not been to the premier league. Therefore, I joined to lend my support to this state project. You know, I was down with injury but I am back and ready, so I accepted to support the club to make history. We are in Enugu to make football history.

Having played at the top level, how are you coping with playing in the lower division?

It is not easy at all. When you play at the highest level, you are exposed to better incentives and facilities which you can’t easily find at the lower level of football. The pitches are not the best and travelling for matches is never easy. However, I am determined because I have an ambition. Whatever life throws at us, we should be able to stand up to it. I fight for what I believe in. I was down with injury for like six years but I didn’t give up. Today, I am playing football again. I am motivated by the ambition the state has which is to make football history. I made history with the Golden Eaglets, I played in Europe and now it is time to make history with my home club.

How was the feeling when you won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007?

I lack words to express the feeling. It was a dream come true for all of us. The dream of every footballer is to win the World Cup.  It was hard for us to sleep the night we defeated Spain in the final. I will never forget that moment. The happiness was immense and I will cherish the moment for the rest of my life. Interestingly, we were rewarded with the prestigious award of the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

Which clubs did you play for after the 2007 World Championship in South Korea?

I played in the NPFL for Kano Pillars after which I travelled for trials in France and Spain. I eventually signed for Olimpik Donetsk in Ukraine where I scored 14 goals in 84 appearances. Later, I was loaned to Chornomorets Odesa in Ukraine where I sustained the knee injury that kept me out for close to seven years. That actually impacted negatively on my career. I had to come back home to re-launch my career in Nasarawa United but I was on and off.  So, when I recovered, I returned home to play for Sokoto United.

You must be disappointed that you didn’t play for the Super Eagles…

Yes, my progress was hampered by the injury. I was also invited to the Flying Eagles camp by Coach Ladan Bosso. So, I didn’t play for the Super Eagles but it is not too late. I am not giving up on my dreams. My dream is to play for the Super Eagles. I think Roger Miller was 42 years old when he played for Cameroon at the 1994 World Cup.

How satisfied are you with what you have achieved in football?

I thank God. I am satisfied but hungry for more. My dream was to play in the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup. However, the injury delayed me so much but now that I am back, I will pursue my dreams again. So, to answer your question, I am satisfied but not completely.

Would you say the 2007 Golden Eaglets have lived up to their potential?

No, we failed to live up to expectations because most of us didn’t achieve what our European counterparts like Toni Kross have accomplished. In Africa, it is hard for players to successfully graduate to the next stage of football.

What is your most memorable moment in football?

Without a doubt, winning the 2007 FIFA U-17 Championship. No feeling can compare with representing your country in an international tournament and coming home as a hero. It is the most important thing I have achieved in my life.

And your saddest moment…

It is my struggle with injury. When you are offered a lucrative contract in Europe but can’t play because of injury, it can be devastating. Honestly, being kept out of football for close to seven years was the most difficult period in my life.

What would you say is hindering football development in the north?

We have young and talented players in the north but there is no motivation. Apart from lack of facilities and adequate sponsorship, the players are not being supported in the media. In the south, the media projects the good players. We need similar support in the north where young talents abound.