Newly invited fullback Isaac James has revealed that he got emotional after receiving his maiden Super Eagles call-up, describing it as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
The 22-year-old Alverca defender is one of three new faces in Eric Chelle’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The other two new additions are Al Ittihad forward George Ilenikhena and LASK attacker Moses Usor.
Speaking in an interview shared on the official Super Eagles X (formerly Twitter) page, Isaac James disclosed that he was shocked but extremely delighted to receive his first call-up.
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“I was doing good during the season, but I didn’t expect to get a call-up immediately. I know it’s my dream to be here, but 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.”
The fullback revealed that he got emotional, admitting that being able to train alongside some of the Super Eagles’ top players is a moment that means a lot to him.
“For me personally, I actually cried because I’ve been dreaming of playing in the national team. We have good players here and to be amongst them, I’m really happy.”
“My club also was so happy because I think I’m the first Nigerian guy there to go to the national team. Everyone was so happy, I got a lot of calls.”
Isaac James’ journey to the Super Eagles has been one of steady progress. In July 2022, he left Nigerian club Garden City Panthers FC to join Lorient’s reserve squad after impressing during trial. He went on to make his Ligue 2 and professional debut for Lorient in a 2–0 win over Grenoble in August 2024.
Despite limited playing time, James showed his quality with the French side and played a role as Lorient won the Ligue 2 title in the 2024/25 season, securing promotion to Ligue 1.
By July 2025, however, James moved on to Portuguese side Alverca. He made 19 appearances in his debut campaign, providing two assists, and has already matched that tally this season with two assists in seven games.
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