Isaac James: I cried when I got my Super Eagles call-up

Portugal-based defender Isaac James has revealed how emotional he was upon receiving his first invitation to the Super Eagles, a call-up he admits came sooner than expected.

The 22-year-old Alverca defender had been enjoying a productive season in Portugal, but a call from Nigeria coach Éric Chelle still caught him completely off guard.

For James, the invitation was more than another career milestone. It was the fulfilment of a dream he had carried since he began his football journey.

“I was doing well at the season, you know, but I didn’t expect to get a call-up immediately because I know it’s my dream to be here,” James told Super Eagles Media.

“So when the coach called me, I was so surprised because I didn’t expect it to be so soon. But I’m really happy to be here.

“For me, I actually cried. I can’t lie because I’ve been dreaming, you know, to play in the national team.”

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, giving him the possibility of making his senior international debut almost immediately after receiving his first call-up.

The defender said his family’s reaction made the moment even more memorable.

“I started seeing a lot of posts about it. Even like my brothers and my sister started sending me posts, you know, like, “Ah, is it true?” Are you going for the national team?” he said.

“I was like, ah, yeah, I get a call up, you know.”

His club, Alverca, was equally pleased with the development. James said he believed he was the first Nigerian player at the Portuguese club to be invited to the senior national team.

“My club was also so happy because I think I’m the first, you know, Nigerian guy there to go to the national team. So yeah, everyone was so happy. I get a lot of calls.”

From France to Portugal

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.

“I started from Lyon FC in France, and it was difficult there,” he said.

“I couldn’t start immediately with the first team, so I spent like three seasons there, and I went to Portugal.”

The move to Portugal provided James with the opportunity to show what he could do.

His performances with Alverca have subsequently 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 also helped him grow as a player.

“From there, I get the opportunity to show my talent and the league, it’s hard,” he said.

“Some people call it maybe the farmer’s league. For me, it’s competitive, and I was doing well there. The challenge was good for me. It was amazing.”

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A defender who likes to attack

James’ versatility is one of the qualities that has helped him establish himself in Portugal.

Primarily a left-back, he can also operate as a wing-back or left-sided centre-back, providing Chelle with another option across the defensive line.

The defender also believes his pace and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch are among his strengths.

“Surely for me, I like playing attack and defending at the same time,” he said. “So for me personally, I’m fast.”

That profile could prove useful to Nigeria as Chelle continues to assess options for the national team.

But for James, the immediate priority is to make the most of an opportunity he once only imagined.