Defender Isaac James receives first Nigeria call-up — Premium Times Nigeria

Nigeria have called up 22-year-old defender Isaac James of Portuguese club Alverca to the national team for the first time. The footballer was included in the Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

As Premium Times Nigeria reports, James said he did not expect such a quick invitation from Nigeria national team head coach Eric Chelle. According to the defender, he cried when he learned about the call-up because he had long dreamed of playing for the national team.

Reaction from family and club

James said that his brothers and sister began sending him messages after news of his national team invitation emerged. Alverca also reacted positively to the footballer’s call-up. The defender suggested that he became the club’s first Nigerian player to be invited to the senior national team.

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Journey through France and Portugal

James began his football training at Garden City Panthers before moving to France, where he joined Lyon FC. He spent about three seasons there but was unable to establish himself in the first team immediately and continued his career in Portugal.

At Alverca, James primarily plays as a left-back, but he can also operate as a wing-back or left-sided centre-back. He named his speed and willingness to work equally in attack and defence as his strengths. The call-up gives him an opportunity to make his debut for Nigeria’s senior team in the near future.