New Super Eagles invitee Isaac James says he is delighted to receive his first call up to Nigeria’s senior national team.
The Alverca defender earned his place in the squad after a strong start to the 2026/27 Liga Portugal season.
Speaking to the Super Eagles media team, James revealed that the call up came sooner than he expected.
“I was doing good at the season, I didn’t expect to get the call up immediately because I know it’s my dream to be here and the coach called me, I was so surprised I didn’t expect to be so soon and I’m really happy to be here.”
James has started seven league matches for Alverca this season. He has averaged 86 minutes per game and played 604 minutes in total.
His consistent performances earned him the chance to join the Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
James Reveals Emotional Reaction to Super Eagles Call Up
For Isaac James, the invitation carried a special meaning after years of dreaming about playing for Nigeria.
“For me personally actually I cried, I’ve been dreaming playing in the national team. We have good players here and to be amongst them I’m really happy”, he continued.
The defender also explained how news of his selection quickly spread among his family and at his Portuguese club.
“Actually I started seeing a lot of post about it even like my brother’s and sisters they started started sending me posts asking is it true are you going for the national team. And my club was so happy because I’m like the first Nigerian guy there to go to the national team, everyone was so happy,” he added.
Alverca also celebrated James’ first international invitation earlier last week.
“Isaac James was called for the first time to represent the Nigerian National Team,” the Portuguese club said.
“Our athlete was selected for the matches in the Qualifying Phase for the CAN 2027.” they added.
James has now joined his Super Eagles team-mates in Uyo as Nigeria prepares for its opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.
The Super Eagles began their preparations on Tuesday, with 23 players taking part in their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Nigeria will face Madagascar in Uyo as the team begins its campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
