Portugal-based defender James Isaac has expressed his excitement and surprise at being called up to the Super Eagles for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Isaac, who plays for FC Alvereca in the Liga Portugal, is among 13 new players invited by coach Eric Chelle. He had a good start to the season with seven league appearances and two assists. Isaac's call-up came sooner than he expected, despite his good form.
Isaac's journey to a breakthrough began in November 2021 when he completed trials at Danish club Midtjylland and then Lorient. He produced an excellent performance in a friendly against Avranches, prompting Lorient to recruit him. In July 2022, he left Nigerian club Garden City Panthers FC to join Lorient's reserve team. Isaac made his Championnat National 2 debut in December 2022 after administrative issues relating to his visa delayed his registration.
The 22-year-old defender made his Ligue 2 and professional debut for Lorient in a 2-0 win over Grenoble on August 24, 2024. His first start came in a 1-1 draw against Metz on September 21, 2025. Isaac went on to make 41 appearances for Lorient's B team, scoring three goals, before being promoted to the first team. He made seven appearances for the senior team and was part of the squad that secured promotion to Ligue 1 in the 2024/25 season.
Isaac signed for Portuguese club Alverca in July 2025 after one season in the French top flight with Lorient. This season, he has made seven league appearances for the club and provided two assists. His call-up to the Super Eagles gives coach Eric Chelle another option at full-back, where he will compete for a place with established names such as Bruno Onyemaechi and Ola Aina.
Nigeria is drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Super Eagles begin their campaign against Madagascar on Friday, followed by a match against Guinea-Bissau next Tuesday. The team will then travel to Russia for a friendly on October 6.
Isaac expressed his happiness at being among some of the country's top players, saying he cried when he received the call-up. He also mentioned that his club was happy about his invitation, and he's like the first Nigerian player to get a national team call-up there. Isaac's dream is to play for the national team, and he's excited to be part of the team.
The Super Eagles' coach, Eric Chelle, has invited 13 new players for the upcoming matches. Isaac's call-up is a surprise, but he's ready to compete for a place in the team. With his good form and experience in European football, Isaac could be an asset to the Super Eagles in their upcoming matches.
Key points
- James Isaac was surprised by his early call-up to the Super Eagles.
- Isaac has made seven league appearances for FC Alvereca this season, providing two assists.
- The Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday.
