Isaac James earns surprise first Nigeria call up

Isaac James has received his first call up to the Nigeria senior squad, with the 22 year old Alverca defender admitting the news came sooner than he expected.

James had been hoping for the opportunity to represent Nigeria at senior level, but his recent form had not convinced him that a national team invitation was imminent.

His performances at the start of the season had attracted attention, yet he was still surprised when coach Eric Chelle contacted him.

“I was having a good season, but I didn’t expect to be called up immediately,” he explained, in comments reported by Africa Foot.

The initial surprise quickly gave way to excitement for James, who now has the opportunity to wear the Super Eagles shirt for the first time.

The defender described the selection as the fulfilment of a long standing ambition. He said the dream of representing Nigeria had stayed with him for years and admitted that he became emotional when he learned he had been selected.

“I’ve dreamed of playing for the national team for a long time,” he said.

James’s family also shared in the moment. His brothers and sister first saw the announcement on social media before contacting him to confirm whether the news was true.

The reaction from his club in Portugal was equally positive, with Alverca celebrating the defender’s first international call up. For both the player and the club, the selection represents an important moment in his developing career.

James’s journey to the Nigeria squad has been built around his determination to secure regular playing time and prove himself at club level.

After spending time in France, he moved to Portugal and gradually began to show his qualities. His progress at Alverca has now earned him recognition from the Nigeria coaching staff.

The defender is one of three players receiving their first senior call up for Nigeria’s opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

For James, the invitation marks a significant step in a career that has continued to develop since his move to Portugal. What began as a distant ambition has now become a reality, with the young defender preparing to join the Super Eagles for the first time.

His selection also gives him the chance to begin a new chapter with Nigeria after making steady progress at club level. At 22, James now has his first opportunity to show what he can offer on the international stage.

The call up is the latest reward for his recent performances and the determination that has taken him from France to Portugal and now into the Nigeria senior squad.