Portugal-based defender, Isaac James, has revealed that he shed tears after receiving his first invitation to the Super Eagles, describing the call-up as the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
The 22-year-old Alverca left-back was among three new players invited by Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
James said he was surprised to receive the invitation so soon despite enjoying a good season in Portugal, admitting that the moment was deeply emotional for him.
“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.
“So 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.
“For me, I actually cried. I can’t lie because I’ve been dreaming, you know, to play in the national team.”
The defender said his family was equally surprised after news of his invitation began circulating, with his siblings contacting him to confirm whether he had truly been called up.
“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.
“I was like, ah, yeah, I get a call up, you know.”
James also disclosed that his Portuguese club was delighted by his invitation and said he believed he was the first Nigerian player from Alverca to receive a senior national team call-up.
“My club was also so happy because I think I’m the first, you know, Nigerian guy there to go to the national team. So yeah, everyone was so happy. I get a lot of calls.”
His route to the Super Eagles began with Garden City Panthers before he moved to France, where he joined Lyon FC.
However, he spent three seasons there without immediately breaking into the first team before relocating to Portugal.
“I started from Lyon FC in France, and it was difficult there,” he said.
“I couldn’t start immediately with the first team, so I spent like three seasons there, and I went to Portugal.”
The move proved significant for James as it gave him an opportunity to showcase his ability in Portugal, where his performances eventually attracted the attention of the Super Eagles technical crew.
“From there, I get the opportunity to show my talent and the league, it’s hard,” he said.
“Some people call it maybe the farmer’s league. For me, it’s competitive, and I was doing well there. The challenge was good for me. It was amazing.”
Primarily a left-back, James can also play as a wing-back or left-sided centre-back. He believes his pace and ability to contribute defensively and offensively are among his key attributes.
“Surely for me, I like playing attack and defending at the same time,” he said. “So for me personally, I’m fast.”
The Alverca defender will now hope to turn his long-awaited international dream into a senior debut when Nigeria begin their AFCON qualifying campaign.
