New Super Eagles defender Isaac James has revealed he cried after receiving his first senior Nigeria call-up, having achieved his dream earlier than he ever expected.
The Alverca left-back is one of the new faces selected by Éric Chelle for Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Speaking after joining up with the squad, James admitted he was stunned when the call arrived.
“I didn’t expect to get the call-up,” James said. “It’s my dream to be here. I didn’t expect it to be so soon.
“I won’t lie, I actually cried, because it’s my dream to be here.”
Super Eagles invitee Isaac James reflects on his maiden call-up and what it means to represent Nigeria at senior level.#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/eJ20MCP4Sc
— ?? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 23, 2026
James Earns His Opportunity
The call-up comes after an impressive start to the season in Portugal. James has started all six of Alverca’s Primeira Liga matches, playing 514 minutes and providing two assists.
His journey to the Super Eagles has taken him from Nigerian club Garden City Panthers to Lorient in France and now Alverca, where his ability to play at left-back, left midfield and left-sided centre-back has made him a useful option.
With Zaidu Sanusi unavailable through injury, James now has the chance to stake his claim in Chelle’s squad as Nigeria prepare to begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
