Exclusive: Super Eagles' Dead-Ball Problem: Rabiu Ali May Be the Solution

Rabiu Ali's ability to convert dead-ball situations continues to make him one of the most dangerous players in Nigerian football.

Kano Pillars midfielder Rabiu Ali has earned high praise from former Nigerian international Dosu Joseph following his spectacular free kick against Lobi Stars over the weekend.

Ali's Heroic Performance 

Ali, 44, played a crucial role in helping Kano Pillars avoid defeat, as they came from two goals behind to secure a 2-2 draw at the Lafia Township Stadium.

Ali’s standout moment came when he scored a magnificent free kick from 35 yards out, narrowing the deficit for his team. Just two minutes later, Mustapha Umar equalized for the visitors, ensuring they left with a point.

Fans in Awe of Ali’s Free Kick

Fans were left in awe of Ali's stunning free kick, with many taking to social media to praise the veteran midfielder for his remarkable talent.

Dosu Joseph's Praise for Ali

Dosu Joseph, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.co.za, was full of admiration for Ali’s skill. “Rabiu Ali has been a consistent presence, scoring free kicks for years. He’s a specialist, and I don’t think anyone in the league is better than him right now,” said Dosu.

“When he’s on the pitch, you cannot afford to give away a free kick near the box; he will make you pay for it. It’s a rare and special talent. If you don’t have it, with enough hard work, you can probably develop it.”

The Lack of Free Kick Specialists in Nigerian Football

Rabiu Ali's free-kick ability is a rare gem in Nigerian football. Since the departure of icons like Jay-Jay Okocha and Taye Taiwo, the Super Eagles have struggled to find a consistent free-kick specialist.

Dosu Joseph stated that the current players lack this unique quality, suggesting that Rabiu Ali's exceptional dead-ball skills could be the solution to this long-standing problem.

“In our day, after training sessions, Jay-Jay Okocha would always stay behind, perfecting his free kicks and long-range shots,” Dosu recalled. 

“But when it comes to the current Super Eagles, I don’t think there’s anyone with that kind of unique ability.”

Should Ali Be Called Up for World Cup Qualifiers?

When asked if Ali should be called up to the Super Eagles for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Dosu acknowledged the decision lies with the coaches. However, he expressed his belief that age should not be a barrier to selection.

“It’s up to the coaches whether they decide to call him up or not,” Dosu said. “However, here, once a player approaches 30, there seems to be pressure to push them out of the team and force them into retirement. But for me, it’s all about what a player can contribute, not their age.”

“Rabiu Ali continues to score goals, yet he hasn’t been called up to either the Super Eagles main squad or the B team. I believe selection should be based on performance, not age.”

Ali’s Impressive Record This Season

Ali has had a remarkable season, scoring eight goals for Kano Pillars, with five of those coming from free kicks.