Super Eagles: What Portugal’s Alverca said after Isaac James’ first Nigeria call-up

Isaac James' first senior Nigeria Super Eagles call-up has been celebrated by his Portuguese club Alverca after the defender earned a place in Eric Chelle's squad for the opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 22-year-old left-back was included in Nigeria's 24-man squad for the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, marking his first invitation to the Super Eagles.

Alverca reacted to the news with a message on its official social media account, describing the selection as a major moment for their Nigerian defender.

“Isaac James was convocado for the first time to represent the Nigerian National Team 🇳🇬. Our athlete was selected for the matches in the Qualifying Phase for the CAN 2027,” the Portuguese club said.

The message came after James had started all six of Alverca's league matches at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.

Alverca's message follows James' fast start in Portugal

James has given Alverca plenty of reasons to celebrate his international breakthrough.

The Nigerian defender has played 514 minutes in six Primeira Liga matches this season, with two assists to his name. He started against Porto, Estrela da Amadora, Sporting CP, Santa Clara, Braga and Nacional.

His latest appearance came on September 12, when Alverca beat Nacional 3-1 away from home. James played 79 minutes in the victory.

His versatility has also helped his case. James is listed primarily as a left-back, but he has also played as a left midfielder and left-sided centre-back. His ability to move between defensive roles has made him useful to Alverca coach Sérgio Ferreira.

From Garden City Panthers to Super Eagles

James' route to the Super Eagles has taken him through Nigeria, France and Portugal.

He started with Garden City Panthers before moving to France and joining Lorient in 2022. He developed with Lorient's reserve side before making his professional debut for the first team in a 2-0 Ligue 2 win over Grenoble on August 24, 2024.

Lorient won Ligue 2 in the 2024/25 season, giving James a French second-division title during his time at the club. He moved to Alverca in July 2025.

His first season in Portugal also gave him a solid base. James played 19 Primeira Liga matches for Alverca in 2025/26, starting 15 of them and providing two assists.

The progress has now taken him into the Super Eagles setup.

Super Eagles: Chelle turns to James after Sanusi injury

James' call-up comes with Nigeria short of options at left-back after Zaidu Sanusi was ruled out through injury.

Chelle's squad also includes Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi, while James gives the coach another left-sided defensive option.

The wider squad includes Stanley Nwabali, Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredrick, Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi and Chibuike Nwaiwu in defence.

Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika form the midfield group, while Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor are the attacking options.

Nigeria will open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25. Chelle's side will then travel to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.