Isaac James has revealed that he cried after receiving his first invitation to the Super Eagles, admitting that representing Nigeria at senior level has been a dream since the beginning of his football journey.
The 22-year-old Alverca defender was included in Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
For James, the call-up came earlier than he expected.
The left-back has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026/27 season in Portugal, starting all six of Alverca’s league matches and recording two assists. His form, coupled with his ability to play in several defensive positions, helped put him on Chelle’s radar.
However, despite his impressive performances, James did not expect the national team invitation to arrive so quickly.
“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.
“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 defender then admitted just how much the moment meant to him.
“For me, I actually cried. I can’t lie because I’ve been dreaming, you know, to play in the national team,” he said.
James also revealed that his family initially contacted him after seeing reports of his invitation.
His brothers and sister reportedly began sending him posts and asking whether the news was actually true.
“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.
James confirmed the news to them and said the reaction around him was one of happiness, his Portuguese club, Alverca, also celebrated the milestone, with the defender saying he believed he was the first Nigerian player at the club to receive a senior national-team invitation.
The emotional call-up comes after a productive period for James in Portuguese football.
He joined Alverca in 2025 and made 19 Primeira Liga appearances during the 2025/26 season, starting 15 matches and providing two assists.
His importance to the club has increased this season. James has started all six league matches so far, playing 514 minutes and registering two assists.
His versatility has also worked in his favour, although primarily a left-back, James can play as a wing-back and left-sided centre-back. Reports have also noted that he has experience in other positions, giving Chelle additional flexibility when selecting his team.
His opportunity has also come at a time when Nigeria need more options on the left side of defence.
Zaidu Sanusi is unavailable through injury, creating an opening for James to compete for a place alongside other options such as Bruno Onyemaechi and Ola Aina.
James’ journey to the national team has taken him from Nigerian grassroots football to professional football in Europe.
He began with Garden City Panthers before moving to France, where he spent time with Lorient. He later continued his career in Portugal with Alverca.
His progress has now earned him a place among Nigeria’s senior internationals.
Chelle’s decision to include him in the AFCON qualifying squad means James could make his Super Eagles debut sooner than expected.
Nigeria will face Madagascar on 25 September before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying fixture on 29 September. James is also among the players included in Nigeria’s wider plans for the October friendly against Russia.
For James, receiving the invitation was the fulfilment of a dream. The next step is turning that emotional moment into a senior international appearance.
The 22-year-old has already established himself at club level and now has the chance to show Chelle that he can also make an impact in Nigeria colours.
Whether he makes his debut against Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau or later against Russia, the call-up represents a significant moment in his career.
From crying after receiving the phone call to potentially wearing the Super Eagles shirt for the first time, James’ journey has entered a new chapter.
And for a player who has dreamed of representing Nigeria for years, the biggest moment may only just be beginning.
