Nigeria: Isaac James “didn’t think he would be called up so soon”

25.09.26 12:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria

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Isaac James did not expect to join the Super Eagles so quickly. Called up for the first time by Eric Chelle at the age of 22, the Alverca defender spoke about his reaction after learning of his call-up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“I was very surprised”

After making a good start to the season with Alverca, Isaac James knew that a call-up to the Nigeria squad could become a goal, but he did not think it would happen so quickly.

I was having a good season, but I didn’t think I would be called up immediately. I knew it was my dream to be here, but when the coach called me, I was very surprised because I didn’t think it would happen so soon. But I’m really happy to be here.

The 22-year-old defender was particularly moved by the personal significance of his first call-up:

Personally, I really cried because I have dreamed of playing for the national team for a long time. We have very good players here, and being among them makes me really happy.

“My club was also very happy”

The first call-up was also celebrated by Alverca. James explained that his Portuguese club quickly shared his joy after the announcement:

My club was also very happy because I believe I am the first Nigerian player at the club to join the national team. Everyone was very happy and I received a lot of calls.

Isaac James is one of the three new players called up by Eric Chelle for the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as part of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Nigerian defender joined Alverca in July 2025 from Lorient.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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