Nigeria's 22-year-old defender Isaac James has expressed his emotional response to receiving his first invitation to the Super Eagles. James, who plays for Alverca in Portugal, revealed that he cried upon getting the call-up, which he admitted came sooner than expected. He had been having a productive season in Portugal, but the invitation from Nigeria coach Éric Chelle still caught him off guard. James described the moment as the fulfilment of a dream he had carried since he began his football journey.
James is one of three new invitees included in Nigeria's squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. This gives him the possibility of making his senior international debut almost immediately after receiving his first call-up. James' family and club were equally thrilled with the development, with his family members sending him posts and asking if the news was true. His club, Alverca, was also happy, with James believing he might be the first Nigerian player at the Portuguese club to be invited to the senior national team.
James' journey to the Super Eagles has not been straightforward. He started his development with Garden City Panthers before moving to France, where he joined Lyon FC. However, breaking into the first team proved difficult, and he spent three seasons there before moving to Portugal. The move to Portugal provided James with the opportunity to show what he could do, and his performances with Alverca have earned him regular opportunities and brought him to the attention of the Super Eagles technical crew.
James said the experience of playing in Portugal has helped him grow as a player. He described the league as competitive, despite some people referring to it as the "farmer's league." James believes the challenge was good for him, and he was able to show his talent. His versatility is one of the qualities that has helped him establish himself in Portugal, and he can operate as a left-back, wing-back, or left-sided centre-back.
James' pace and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch are among his strengths. He described himself as fast and someone who likes playing attack and defending at the same time. This profile could prove useful to Nigeria as Chelle continues to assess options for the national team. James' immediate priority is to make the most of an opportunity he once only imagined.
James' club, Alverca, was equally pleased with the development, and he received a lot of calls from people congratulating him. James is yet to make his senior international debut, but he is excited about the possibility of doing so soon. He will be part of Nigeria's squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
James' call-up to the Super Eagles is a significant milestone in his career, and he is grateful for the opportunity. He is expected to provide a new option for Chelle, particularly in the defensive line. With his versatility, pace, and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, James could prove to be a valuable addition to the team.
Key points
- Isaac James cried upon receiving his first invitation to the Super Eagles.
- James is one of three new invitees included in Nigeria's squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- James' versatility and pace could prove useful to Nigeria in the upcoming qualifiers.
