Alverca defender Isaac James earns maiden Super Eagles call-up for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Alverca left-back Isaac James says he cried after receiving his first Super Eagles invitation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. James, who has impressed early in the Portuguese league season, told Super Eagles media he never expected a call-up this soon despite his dream of playing for Nigeria.

Coach Éric Chelle named James among a 24-player squad for the double-header qualifiers. The defender described the moment as emotional, saying he had been dreaming of wearing the national jersey and felt overwhelmed when the coach’s call came.

His inclusion signals the coach’s willingness to tap talent based abroad and adds competition for the left-back slot currently held by players based in Europe and Nigeria. For fans, it offers a fresh option and hope for deeper squad depth ahead of the AFCON campaign.

Will James secure a regular spot in the Super Eagles back line and contribute to Nigeria’s quest for AFCON 2027 glory?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/23/afcon-2027q-james-speaks-on-emotional-super-eagles-invitation/